TRANSPORT

A303: Stonehenge

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will announce his decision on the A303(T) road improvement project at Stonehenge; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: We are carefully considering the inter-departmental review group's report on the options for improving the A303 past Stonehenge, and will make a further statement in due course.

Buses: Fuels

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the cost per litre to bus fleet operators of  (a) bioethanol,  (b) biodiesel,  (c) liquid petroleum gas and  (d) diesel.

Gillian Merron: The price operators pay for fuel is a commercial matter for each operator, and varies according to each operator's supply arrangements and fluctuations in international commodity prices.
	Operators of local bus services benefit significantly under the Department's Bus Service Operators Grant scheme (BSOG), which helps to keep fuel costs down by reimbursing fuel duty paid on the fuel. The current rates of BSOG, increased following the pre-Budget report on 6 December, are as follows:
	
		
			   Pence per litre 
			 Bioethanol 28.35 
			 Biodiesel 28.35 
			 Liquid petroleum gas 12.21 
			 Diesel (ultra low sulphur) 39.21 
		
	
	In the case of the first three fuels listed the rate is equivalent to 100 per cent. of fuel duty; in the case of ultra low sulphur diesel it is equivalent to 81 per cent. of the duty.

Buses: Fuels

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures have been taken by his Department since 2001 to encourage  (a) local authorities and  (b) bus companies to use low-emission buses; and if he will make a statement.

Gillian Merron: The Reduced Pollution Scheme provides reductions in vehicle excise duty for buses and heavy goods vehicles that meet particulate emissions standards that are more stringent than those required at the time of manufacture.
	We have introduced through the Bus Service Operators Grant scheme a 100 per cent. rebate of the fuel duty paid by bus operators when they use biodiesel. Bus operators who use gas-powered buses also receive a 100 per cent. rebate of fuel duty.
	On 12 December the Government published a document on bus policy: Putting Passengers First, which sets out the Government's proposals for improving bus services. This considers, among other things, whether and how support for bus services might be changed to focus on performance and environmental outcomes.

Railways

Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he has given to the improvement of local rail services in south-east London following the transfer of Eurostar services to St Pancras in 2007.

Tom Harris: Once Eurostar services transfer to St Pancras in November 2007, the train paths previously used by the international services will be used by Southeastern to provide additional capacity on the network. Thirty-four additional trains will operate between London Victoria and Beckenham Junction on weekdays, and 48 additional trains will operate over the same route on Saturdays.

Railways

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the performance of  (a) Thameslink and  (b) First Capital Connect on the Bedford to Brighton route over the last two years.

Tom Harris: The Thameslink Franchise Agreement contained an incentive regime setting required levels of punctuality, reliability and Public Performance Measure (PPM) against which it was obliged to report to the SRA/Department on a period by period basis.
	Since the Rail Review, Network Rail is responsible for improving the performance of the rail industry, but my officials and I continue to monitor the performance of train operators through the mechanisms in the Franchise Agreement.
	The First Capital Connect (FCC) Franchise Agreement contains Performance Benchmarks for Service Delivery, Cancellations and Capacity against which FCC is obliged to report to the Department on a period by period basis.
	FCC has achieved all of the Benchmarks for the first eight periods of its Franchise, up to 12 November 2006. The most recent Public Performance Measure result for FCC as a whole was 88.37 per cent. of trains arriving on time, an improvement of 5.8 per cent. on the same period last year. The Moving Annual Average was 88.9 per cent., an improvement of 1 per cent. on the same period last year.

Railways

Jacqui Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects railway stations at  (a) Crystal Palace,  (b) Anerley,  (c) West Wickham,  (d) Penge East,  (e) Birkbeck,  (f) Shortland,  (g) Penge West,  (h) Eden Park,  (i) Beckenham Junction,  (j) Lower Sydenham,  (k) Elmers End,  (l) Kent House,  (m) Clockhouse and  (n) New Beckenham to be made compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 under the Criteria for Access for All funding.

Tom Harris: None of these stations is currently part of the Access for All programme. In due course, we will assess stations for inclusion in the programme to be delivered after 2011. The stations mentioned will be assessed as part of this process.
	The Government are committed to making the rail network more accessible. Earlier this year we announced £370 million to deliver access improvements at stations up to 2015 and, to date, we have announced 92 stations in England and Wales which will benefit from this funding by 2011.
	The funding has been allocated nationally to ensure that it delivers the greatest benefit. Stations have been chosen on the basis of the number of passengers who use them weighted by the incidence of disability in the area. A proportion of the funding has also been allocated to ensure a fair geographical spread of stations around the country. This approach was supported by the consultation responses to the draft Railways for All strategy.

Railways

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what response he has made to the findings of the National Rail Review for Quarter Two regarding the condition and availability of facilities and services at small and medium-sized rail stations.

Tom Harris: The Department has noted the comments made in the Review.
	The Department has initiated a working group with Network Rail, the Association of Train Operating Companies and Passenger Focus to use passenger research to provide guidance to the industry stakeholders on the range of facilities that passengers expect at stations. Network Rail is developing a prioritised delivery plan for improvements to local stations. To expedite this, operators will be encouraged to sign up to the Office of Rail Regulation's new "Stations Code", which simplifies and strengthens contractual responsibilities between Network Rail and train operating companies for station maintenance and renewal works.
	At many smaller stations, locally initiated schemes will deliver further improvements through partnerships between operators, local authorities and third parties. This has been achieved by the "Riviera Project" in Devon and Cornwall and "Carnforth Connect" in Lancashire.
	The "Access for All" investment programme for improving accessibility at stations is progressing, with 92 stations in England and Wales being named to receive assessments for making them fully accessible. Work has been approved at an additional 418 stations as a part of the "Small Schemes" programme for station accessibility improvements.

Railways

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of how many miles of main and branch line track have been converted to light railway use in each of the last 10 years.

Tom Harris: This is an operational matter for Network Rail, as the owner and operator of the national rail network. The hon. Member should contact Network Rail's Chief Executive at the following address for a response to his question.
	John Armitt
	Chief Executive
	Network Rail
	40 Melton Street
	London NW1 2EE

Ship-to-Ship Oil Transfers

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps his Department is taking to reduce the number of ship-to-ship oil transfers which take place outside harbour areas in the North Sea.

Stephen Ladyman: The current situation is that, in UK territorial waters (outside harbour authority areas), the Department's Maritime and Coastguard Agency has non-statutory arrangements and procedures under which ship owners and operators are expected to notify the Maritime and Coastguard Agency of the intention to carry out a ship-to-ship transfer, and to carry out such transfers according to best practice. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency monitors the conduct of such ship-to-ship transfers.
	For the future, secondary legislation which will regulate ship-to-ship transfers within the limits of the UK's territorial sea remains in preparation. The Department expects to be in a position to consult on it early in 2007, with a view to its coming into force in late spring/early summer 2007.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Credit Card Companies

Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make representations to UK credit card companies to cease the practice of issuing unsolicited cheques to account holders.

Ian McCartney: The DTI carried out a consultation to look at whether specific regulatory measures were needed to govern the marketing and issuing of credit card cheques at the end of last year. At this stage we do not believe banning is a proportionate response. The important point is that consumers get the information they need and are not misled into using the product when it might not the best form of credit for them to use.
	We welcome the additional information that credit card issuers have agreed to provide for customers following the consultation. This will come in the form of a summary box and will include information about how to opt out of receiving cheques. This requirement will form part of the new banking code when rewritten in 2007, with all APACs members likely to comply by the end of this year. We will keep this matter under review.

Departmental Staff

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many staff were employed through employment agencies in  (a) his Department and  (b) each of its agencies in each of the last five years for which information is available; and what the (i) average and (ii) longest time was for which these temporary workers were employed in each year.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Departmental policy is that agency staff are engaged where it is not possible to source the skills for the task from within the Department, but the expectation is that the appointment would be time-limited.
	Further information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	I have asked the Chief Executives of the Executive Agencies to respond directly to the hon. Member.
	 Letter from Desmond Flynn, dated 12 December 2006:
	The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has asked me to reply to you directly on behalf of The Insolvency Service in respect of your question (2006/135) asking how many staff have been employed through employment agencies in the Department and each of its agencies in the last five years for which information is available; and what the average and longest time was for which these temporary workers were employed in each year.
	The number of agency staff engaged by The Insolvency Service at the end of the financial year 2005-06 was 390. Information on the average and longest period of engagement could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Information on agency staff has only been held centrally since January 2005. Information on years prior to 2005-06 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	 Letter from Tim Moss, dated 12 December 2006:
	The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has asked me to reply on behalf of Companies House to your question regarding how many staff have been employed through employment agencies in  (a) his Department and  (b) each of its agencies in each of the last five years for which information is available; and what the (i) average and (ii) longest time was for which these temporary workers were employed in each year.
	The following table provides information on staff employed by Companies House through an employment agency over the last five years.
	
		
			  Financial year  Number  Average time?estimate (weeks)  Longest period (weeks) 
			 2006-07 5 1 26 
			 2005-06 8 12 16 
			 2004-05 4 12 26 
			 2003-04 2 1 1 
			 2002-03 2 1 1 
		
	
	 Letter from Iain MacGregor, dated 12 December 2006:
	The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has asked me to reply on behalf of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory (NWML) to your question regarding how many staff have been employed through employment agencies in  (a) his Department and  (b) each of its agencies in each of the last five years for which information is available; and what the (i) average and (ii) longest time was for which these temporary workers were employed in each year.
	The National Weights and Measures Laboratory (NWML) have employed the following staff through employment agencies in each of the last five years:
	
		
			   Staff employed 
			 2002 1 person (for 3 days) 
			 2003 1 person (for 6 days) 
			 2004 3 people (longest = 95 days, average = 47 days) 
			 2005 1 person (for 90 days) 
			 2006 2 people (longest = 7 days, average = 6.5 days) 
		
	
	 Letter from Ron Marchant, dated 12 December 2006:
	To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many staff were employed on a consultancy basis in  (a) his Department and  (b) each of its agencies in each of the last five years for which information is available; and what the (i) average and (ii) longest period was for which a consultant was employed in each year.
	The breakdown of staff numbers employed through employment agencies for the last five financial years and the average time are as follows:
	
		
			   Number  Average (weeks) 
			 2005-06 80 18 
			 2004-05 73 17 
			 2003-04 109 15 
			 2002-03 44 30 
			 2001-02 39 33 
		
	
	At least one person was employed for a full year in each of the financial years.

Departmental Staff

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether people employed  (a) through employment agencies and  (b) on a consultancy basis are included in the calculations for the full-time equivalent staff mentioned in his Department's annual report.

Jim Fitzpatrick: It is DTI policy that people employed  (a) through employment agencies and  (b) on a consultancy basis are included in the totals for the full-time equivalent staff reported in the Department's annual report.
	 Letter from Ron Marchant, dated 12 December 2006:
	To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, whether people employed (a) through employment agencies and (b) on a consultancy basis are included in the calculations for the full-time equivalent staff mentioned in the Department's annual report.
	All staff engaged in the activities of the Patent Office, including those employed through agencies or any other contractors under our direction, are included in the calculations for the full-time equivalent staff mentioned in our annual accounts.
	 Letter from Iain MacGregor, dated 12 December 2006:
	The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has asked me to reply on behalf of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory (NWML) to your question regarding how many staff have been employed through employment agencies in (a) his Department and (b) each of its agencies in each of the last five years for which information is available; and what the (i) average and (ii) longest time was for which these temporary workers were employed in each year.
	People employed (a) through employment agencies and (b) on a consultancy basis are not included by The National Weights and Measures Laboratory (NWML) in the calculations for the full-time equivalent staff mentioned in the Department's annual report.
	 Letter from Tim Moss, dated 12 December 2006:
	The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has asked me to reply on behalf of Companies House to your question regarding whether people employed (a) through employment agencies and (b) on a consultancy basis are included in the calculations for the full-time equivalent staff mentioned in his Department's annual report.
	Where Companies House has engaged:
	(a) Individuals via an employment agency—these are included in all headcount and full-time equivalent figures; and
	(b) Individuals on a consultancy basis—then as we are procuring a specific and often specialised service we do not include this provision on our headcount or full-time equivalent figures.
	When using an employment agency Companies House uses a preferred list of employment agencies covering all business functions. The list has been compiled following negotiations of service provision within function and commission costs.
	 Letter from Desmond Flynn, dated 12 December 2006:
	The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has asked me to reply to you directly on behalf of The Insolvency Service in respect of your question (137/2006), asking whether people employed (a) through employment agencies and (b) on a consultancy basis are included in the calculations for the full-time equivalent staff mentioned in his Department's annual report.
	In its Annual Report, The Insolvency Service publishes figures based on permanent and casual staff and since 2004-05 we have also published separate figures for non-permanent staff, which includes loanees, Short Term Appointees, and agency staff. The Service's Annual Report does not include in its full time equivalent calculation figures for the number of consultants engaged from time to time.

Energy Supply Ombudsman

Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with  (a) energy suppliers and  (b) the Energy Retail Association on the extension of the remit of the Energy Supply Ombudsman to deal with billing cases from small business consumers; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: The Energy Supply Ombudsman was established by domestic gas and electricity suppliers to deal with complaints that existing complaints procedures had failed to resolve. It would be for the Energy Retail Association and gas and electricity suppliers to determine whether they wished to extend the coverage of the scheme to the business sector.

European Commission: Metrication

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to encourage the European Commission to bring forward proposals to extend the present authorisation of supplementary indications alongside metric units beyond 2009.

Jim Fitzpatrick: holding answer 5 December 2006
	Directive 80/181/EEC currently permits the use of supplementary indications until 31 December 2006. Article 6a of the directive requires a further examination of the implementation of the directive, and in particular the matter of supplementary indications. We understand that the European Commission is currently carrying out this examination and expects to publish a consultation paper shortly.

Fuel Poverty

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people are living in fuel poverty in North-East Fife; and if he will make a statement.

Alistair Darling: Fuel poverty is devolved to the Scottish Executive, and falls within the portfolio of the Minister for Communities.
	According to the Scottish House Condition Survey around 328,000 households were living in fuel poverty in Scotland in 2003-04, which represents 14.5 per cent. of Scottish households. Scottish fuel poverty statistics are not available for North-East Fife for 2003-04. The 2002 Scottish House Condition Survey contains the most recent information broken down by local authority area, and shows that in 2002 there were an estimated 17,000 fuel-poor households in the area of Fife.

Imperial Units

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the use of imperial units after 31 December 2009.

Ian McCartney: Directive 80/181/EEC currently permits the use of supplementary indications until 31 December 2006. Article 6a of the directive requires a further examination of the implementation of the directive, and in particular the matter of supplementary indications. We understand that the European Commission is currently carrying out this examination and expects to publish a consultation paper shortly.

Pedlars Act

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received to repeal or amend the Pedlars Act 1871; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Fitzpatrick: holding answer 11 December 2006
	The Department received representations seeking the repeal of the Pedlars Acts from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Markets Industry in February 2006. Officials from the Department met the Group to discuss the matter. I understand that similar representations were made to ministerial colleagues in the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Royal Mail

Alan Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he plans to make an announcement on employee share ownership of the Royal Mail.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Government are considering the Royal Mail board's proposal for an employee share scheme. No decisions have yet been made.

Small Business Energy Bills

Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what codes of practice are in place on the billing of small business consumers by gas and electricity suppliers.

Malcolm Wicks: There are no codes of practice in respect of billing in the business energy market.

Small Business Energy Bills

John Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with energy suppliers on their obligations to supply  (a) gas and  (b) electricity to small business consumers when requested to do so by the consumer.

Malcolm Wicks: The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) is responsible for regulating gas and electricity supply, including supply to the business sector. Under their licences, suppliers are obliged to offer terms and conditions to domestic customers on request. This obligation does not extend to the business market.

Small Business Energy Bills

John Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps his Department has taken to promote agreed standards for providing brokerage services to small business consumers in the energy market.

Malcolm Wicks: The Department has supported the establishment of the Utilities Intermediaries Association, a trade association for intermediaries in the business energy sector, which, among other things, seeks to set and enforce standards of conduct for intermediaries.

Wind Power: Planning Permission

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the status is of each second-round offshore windfarm project application; what steps have been put in place to ensure that these applications will be dealt with expeditiously; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: The Department is considering consent applications for seven of the round 2 offshore wind farm projects: London Array, Greater Gabbard, Thanet, Gwynt y Mor, Walney, West of Duddon Sands and Sheringham Shoal.
	The Department works closely with other Government Departments, statutory consultees and others with an interest in the projects to ensure the decision-making process is managed as efficiently and expeditiously as possible. It is in no-one's interest to delay decision-making on projects where there is no justification for doing so. However, it is important to ensure that consent decisions are robust and are taken on the basis of a thorough consideration of all the issues raised during consultation.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

Children: Day Care

Kitty Ussher: To ask the Leader of the House if he will make nursery vouchers available to hon. Members who are parents of young children.

Jack Straw: I have commissioned a paper on the costs of a nursery voucher scheme for Members. This will be considered by the Members Estimate Committee shortly.

Retirement Age

Mike Hancock: To ask the Leader of the House pursuant to the Answer from the Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office to the hon. Member for Blackpool, South (Mr. Marsden) of 4 December 2006,  Official Report, columns 189-90W, on the retirement age, what the Privy Council's policy is for the setting of retirement ages for staff below the senior civil service under the Civil Service (Management Functions) Act 1992.

Jack Straw: The Privy Council Office has a compulsory retirement age of 65 for all grades. Staff have the right to request retention beyond 65, for a maximum of one year at a time. The decision to retain staff beyond 65 is taken on business need.

Special Advisers

Oliver Heald: To ask the Leader of the House what plans he has to alter the  (a) salaries of,  (b) number of support staff available to and  (c) office space provided for his special advisers in the next 12 months.

Jack Straw: None.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

International Assistance

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development in what ways his Department will work with  (a) other donor agencies and  (b) international finance institutions to meet the two targets agreed at the recent Microcredit Campaign Summit in Halifax, Nova Scotia relating to (i) extending credit for self-employment and other financial services to the world's poorest families and (ii) ensuring such families cross the $1 a day threshold by 2015.

Hilary Benn: DFID agrees that access to financial services for poor people will help to lift them out of poverty and to meet the millennium development goal of halving the proportion of people whose income is less than $1 a day.
	The role of the financial sector in poverty reduction and growth is now well documented: financial sectors that reach more poor people have been shown not only to stimulate economic growth, but also to share the benefits of that growth more equitably and reduce poverty.
	The UK's 2006 White Paper on International Development commits DFID to tackling barriers to access to markets and financial services, and supporting access to finance initiatives in partnership with banks and regulators.
	DFID is sympathetic to the goals of the Microcredit Summit Campaign and is extending its efforts to the wider agenda of expanding access to financial services for poor people. It is estimated that 2 billion people in developing countries do not have a bank account or access to formal financial services.
	DFID will continue to work with other donors and international financial institutions (IFIs) at policy, technical, and operational levels all of which contribute to increasing the number of poor people benefiting from financial services, including credit.
	For example, at the policy and technical level, DFID is funding CGAP, the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor, which is co-ordinating the activities of its 33 members, donors and IFIs.
	At the operational level, DFID has nine financial sector programmes in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, most of them in partnership with other donors and IFIs.
	With respect to ensuring that the poorest families cross the threshold of $1 a day, an integrated approach is needed to achieve this target, including providing resources for education, health and other services. DFID and international financial institutions will continue to spend significant resources on education, health and other programmes of direct relevance, to improving the lives of poor families, in addition to microfinance, .
	For example, DFID is contributing £16.2 million to a programme with BRAC, a leading microfinance bank in Bangladesh, called "Challenging the Frontiers of Poverty Reduction". It provides a number of services, in addition to microcredit, for more than 100,000 poor people.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

Light Bulbs

Peter Soulsby: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission, what proportion of light bulbs used on the House of Commons estate were manufactured in the United Kingdom.

Nick Harvey: It is difficult to give a precise answer, as purchases are made by contractors and by the Parliamentary Works Services Directorate. However, it is estimated that approximately 45 per cent. of tubes and lamps across the parliamentary estate are manufactured in the United Kingdom.
	We seek best value for money in terms of unit price, "life expectancy", energy usage, performance, etc. While we purchase exclusively from United Kingdom wholesalers, in some cases their supplies come from outside the UK.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Art Exhibitions

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the art exhibitions, including performance art, sponsored by public bodies for which her Department is responsible over the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what the cost was in each case.

David Lammy: We support a wide range of art exhibitions via various organisations including Arts Council England, the Renaissance in the Regions programme administered by the Museums, Libraries and Archive Council and our sponsored museums. The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Copyright

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received from members of the music industry in favour of the extension of the 50-year copyright rule.

Shaun Woodward: Andrew Gowers's review of intellectual property was announced in December 2005, DCMS has received a range of written and oral representations from the music industry in favour of such an extension. It also received representations from individuals and other organisations against such a move. Although the Department exercises a sponsorship role for the music industry, policy responsibility for intellectual property matters rests with the Patent Office, to which these representations have been passed. In addition, representations on this issue were made by interested parties directly to the Gowers Review team.

Departmental Staff

Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the effective date is for annual pay awards to her Department's staff; and what the actual implementation date has been in each of the last five years.

David Lammy: The effective date for annual pay awards for DCMS staff is 1 August. In each of the last five years they have been made in November.

Furniture

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much was spent by her Department on furniture made by British firms in each year since 2000.

David Lammy: Since 2000, the DCMS has purchased furniture from both British and non-British firms, but we do not hold information to enable us separately to identify how much was spent on British-made furniture.

Gershon Review

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much efficiency savings she has made in her Department and its associated public bodies; and if she will make a statement.

David Lammy: Latest interim data returns indicate that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has delivered a total of £158.9 million in efficiency gains as at 30 September 2006. This breaks down as £70.4 million from local authorities and £88.5 million from non-departmental public bodies. Verified data will be included in the Department's Autumn Performance Report, to be published shortly.

Licensing Laws

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress her Department has made in its review of the Guidance issued to Licensing Authorities on the discharge of their functions under the Licensing Act 2003; and if she will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: Following representations from local authorities, we have adjusted our timetable for consultation on the draft revised guidance. This is to conform with the statutory requirement for local authorities to review their licensing policies every three years. The Secretary of State now expects to begin the public consultation exercise in January 2007 with a view to issuing the final revised guidance in spring 2007. This should allow licensing authorities to make any necessary changes to their licensing policies and consult on them once before the next three-year licensing policy period begins in January 2008. Earlier consultation may have resulted in licensing authorities having to consult twice before that date.

London Olympics

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate she has made of the number of staff in her Department who will spend the majority of their time working on the 2012 Olympics in each year until 2012, broken down by pay band.

Richard Caborn: Currently my Department employs 37 full-time equivalent staff who spend all or the majority of their time on work related to the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. The breakdown by pay band is shown in the table:
	
		
			   Number of staff (FTE)  Pay band minimum (£)  Pay band maximum (£) 
			 SCS pay band 3 1 98,000 205,000 
			 SCS pay band 2 1 80,000 160,000 
			 SCS pay band 1 3 55,000 116,000 
			 A (U) 3.5 48,000 62,000 
			 A 8.88 41,125 52,025 
			 B 14 26,500 34,675 
			 C 3 20,425 24,550 
			 D 3 16,150 19,885 
		
	
	Staffing needs are subject to regular review and the number of staff included in work related to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games will reflect these needs.

London Olympics

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate she has made of  (a) the number of staff who do not fall into the Department's pay band structure which her Department will employ to work predominantly on the 2012 Olympics in each year until 2012 and  (b) the total amount that her Department will pay in salaries to these staff.

Richard Caborn: There are six external agency employees currently employed by my Department to work predominately on the London 2012 Olympics. Future numbers, duration of employment and cost of such staff will be determined by need.

London Olympics

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she plans to take to increase the medal take by British athletics during the 2012 Olympics; and at what estimated cost.

Richard Caborn: UK Sport, the Government's high performance sports agency, is closely involved in the development of the sport of athletics as it seeks to increase its medal potential in the lead-up to both Beijing 2008 and London 2012.
	UK Sport ensures that the governing body UK Athletics has a dedicated performance plan in place and that it is regularly scrutinised, in particular through a monthly meeting with the performance director and regular contact with key performance staff. UK Sport is also actively involved in senior appointments, including the current recruitment of the new CEO and chair for UK Athletics. In addition it has a member of staff with responsibility for monitoring progress in the sport and intervening where appropriate.
	To support this activity, in April this year UK Sport announced a funding increase of £1,591,000 to UK Athletics to cover athlete preparation and training for the period 2006 to 2009. This takes the total investment in athletics in that period to £20,377,000. While the majority of that funding is geared towards supporting athlete success at the Beijing Olympic games, a proportion will also be used to ensure that talented athletes are identified and developed ahead of London 2012. Investment in athletics for the period 2009 to 2013 (the London Olympic 'cycle') will be determined following the Beijing games in early 2009.

London Olympics

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what consultation her Department is undertaking in connection with Olympic training camps.

Richard Caborn: My Department has not been directly involved in consultation in connection with Olympic Training Camps.
	The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) is preparing a Pre-Games Training Guide for National Olympic Committees and National Paralympic Committees, in which facilities that it has approved as providing a suitable training environment in the UK are listed by location and by sport. The development of this guide is being overseen by a steering group which includes non- departmental public bodies, UK Sport and Sport England.

London Olympics

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what consultation she has undertaken regarding the proposed Olympic equestrian venue at Greenwich Park; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Caborn: The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games has consulted the national governing body for equestrian sport, the British Equestrian Federation, which incorporates 13 equestrian organisations including British Eventing, and the international governing body, the Federation Equestre Internationale, in relation to the Olympic equestrian venue. During the bid to host the Games, the British Equestrian Federation undertook a feasibility study to identify potential sites to host the equestrian events, and selected Greenwich Park as the most suitable venue. Its considerations took into account the required proximity to the Olympic Park site, which was a key factor for the International Olympic Committee.

London Olympics

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what funding the Government has given to each Olympic training camp, broken down by sport.

Richard Caborn: Responsibility for co-ordinating training camps lies with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) and the British Olympic Association (BOA).
	Each National Olympic Committee (NOC) and National Paralympic Committee (NPC) will choose where to base its training camps. To help with their decision-making process, LOCOG is required to provide a 'Pre Games Training Camp Guide' where facilities that it has approved as providing a suitable training environment in the UK are listed by location and by sport.
	LOCOG has released details on its website, inviting expressions of interest from potential host facilities. Applications can be made on the London 2012 website until 31 January 2006:
	www.london2012.com/trainingcamps.
	Applications will initially be assessed locally with selection co-ordinated by each nation and region. Part of the criteria for assessment that will be used requires that facilities are already built and will not require funding. Any potential usage for training and preparation camps should be regarded as added value, rather than a core element of the case for funding.
	The Organising Committee have however announced the training camp fund to encourage teams to use training camp facilities in the UK in advance of the Games. The contributions will enable all 203 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and the 161 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) to apply for a contribution of up to £26,000 towards the cost of preparing their athletes at UK designated pre-Games training camps.
	A proposed list of facilities will be submitted to LOCOG for final selection by January 2007, and the guide will be distributed to NOCs and NPCs in July 2008.

National Lottery

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many applications were received for membership of the Big Lottery Board; how many candidates were short-listed; how many were interviewed; and how many were appointed, broken down by declared membership of each political party in each case.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 11 December 2006
	A total of 428 applications to the board of the Big Lottery Fund were received; 48 candidates were short-listed; 43 candidates were interviewed; and 12 candidates were appointed.
	Details of political affiliation constitute personal information which we have undertaken for the non-appointed candidates to keep confidential, in accordance with the Code of Practice of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA). Under the OCPA Code, candidates are asked to provide details of political activity. They may, but are not required to, produce details about party membership. Details of party membership of the appointed Board members were published in the interest of being open and transparent and with Board members consent. Five of the appointed Board members' declared themselves to be members of the Labour party.
	Decisions on whom to appoint were based on merit, following an open competition which was scrutinised by an OCPA-trained independent assessor. Political activity played no part in the selection process. No information about party affiliations was included in the papers that were submitted to Ministers about the appointments.

Public Opinion Research

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much her Department spent on commissioning public opinion research in each of the last five years.

David Lammy: Public opinion research is research specifically designed to assess the public's response to policy or services. When projects have a wider aim than this, it is not always possible to identify separately the elements of research that fall into this category. I have therefore included in the estimates in the table the total cost of those studies where opinions were sought, even when this formed only a portion of the research. Our records indicate the following levels of spending for 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07. We do not have sufficient information to provide comparable data for earlier years.
	
		
			   £ 
			 2006-07 128,250 
			 2005-06 404,615 
			 2004-05 561,095

UK School Games

Andy Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what criteria she plans to use to decide the location of the UK school games up to 2012.

Richard Caborn: The criteria issued by the Millennium Commission for applications from cities wishing to host the UK school games in 2007 to 2011 were deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 14 November. Following the winding up of the Millennium Commission on 30 November, the Big Lottery Fund is now responsible for the arrangements for the assessment and final selection of the cities.

SCOTLAND

Devolution

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent devolution matters the Advocate-General has considered.

David Cairns: Since 4 November 2006, 82 devolution issues have been intimated to the Advocate-General. Of these, 63 related to civil proceedings and 19 related to criminal proceedings.

Ferry Subsidies

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive on the cost of ferry subsidies.

David Cairns: I have regular discussions with Scottish Executive Ministers on a range of matters. However, contracts for ferry subsidies in Scotland are entirely a matter for the Executive.

Asylum and Immigration

Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the handling of asylum and immigration cases in Scotland.

David Cairns: My right hon. Friend and I keep in close touch with colleagues in the Home Office on policy issues arising from asylum and immigration matters in Scotland. However, we do not become involved in the handling of individual cases.

Winter Fuel Allowance

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to increase the funding available to the Department for Work and Pensions under the comprehensive spending review so as to increase the winter fuel allowance in Scotland.

Douglas Alexander: I regularly meet Cabinet colleagues to discuss a range of topics, including policies aimed at tackling pensioner poverty.

Consultants

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which 10 consultancy fees charged to his Department since May 1997 were the most expensive.

David Cairns: The Scotland Office was established in July 1999; since that date the only consultancy projects conducted by the Scotland Office were as follows:
	
		
			   Consultancy project  £ 
			 2001-02 Comparison study on motor taxation across Europe 5,465 
			  Professional services in relation to a proposed Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry service 17,864 
			 2002-03 Professional services in relation to a proposed Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry service 4,620 
			  Report on devolution in Europe 6,100 
			 2003-04 Senior Civil Service Assessment Centre 10,044 
			 2004-05 Management Review and Assessment Centre for Head of Scotland Office 2,817

Departmental Finance

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department paid to DHL in each financial year between 1997-98 and 2005-06.

David Cairns: The Scotland Office was established in July 1999; since that date, the Scotland Office has paid DHL the following:
	
		
			   £ 
			 1999-2000 — 
			 2000-01 — 
			 2001-02 — 
			 2002-03 526.69 
			 2003-04 920.88 
			 2004-05 — 
			 2005-06 —

Financial Services Industry

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps the Government are taking to promote the long-term prospects for the financial services industry in Scotland.

Douglas Alexander: This Government are committed to ensuring our financial services sector can build on its continuing success. We will work with the industry in the new Financial Services Task Force. However, the single most important thing we can do is maintain the economic strength and stability we have delivered since 1997.

IT Projects

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many information technology projects within the responsibility of his Department, its agencies and their predecessors have been cancelled since 1997; what the total cost was of each project at cancellation; and if he will make a statement.

David Cairns: The Scotland Office was established on 1 July 1999. Since that date, no information technology projects have been cancelled.

M74: Glasgow

Mohammad Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive on the potential economic effects on Glasgow of extending the M74.

David Cairns: My right hon. Friend has regular discussions with Scottish Executive Ministers on a range of topics. The trunk road network in Scotland is a devolved responsibility.

Official Cars

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cars run by his Department were manufactured  (a) in the UK and  (b) abroad.

David Cairns: The Scotland Office does not operate any cars; information on cars operated by the Government Car and Despatch Agency is available on page 14 of its Annual Report and Accounts 2005-06, copies of which are available in the Library for the reference of Members.

Post Offices

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received on the future of the post office network in Scotland.

David Cairns: I have received a number of representations on the future of the post office network in Scotland.

Recruitment Advertising

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department spent on recruitment advertising in each of the last three years.

David Cairns: Nothing.

DEFENCE

Armoured Vehicles

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many complaints from service personnel about armoured vehicles in Afghanistan have been recorded in the past six months;
	(2)  how many complaints from service personnel about armoured vehicles in Iraq have been recorded in the past six months.

Adam Ingram: The MOD greatly values and actively encourages feedback from personnel on how equipment is performing, so that lessons can be learnt and improvements made where a need is identified. There are a number of ways available for members of the armed forces to raise issues, faults and suggestions for improvement to equipment, but there is no requirement to collate and hold such information centrally.
	Data are, however, held on equipment failure reports (EFRs) and serious equipment failure reports (SEFs) and the data for the period covering 1 May to 31 October 2006 from Afghanistan and Iraq is shown in the following table. EFRs and SEFs are not technically complaints; they are the reporting mechanism used by units for routine equipment support issues. The data do not account for the results of subsequent investigations and therefore do not differentiate between what has been proven to be equipment failure, and operator error or damage sustained as a result of operations. Nor do this data give the severity of any such failures which in many cases have no discernible impact on operational capability or safety.
	The armoured vehicle fleet is currently meeting all operational commitments.
	
		
			  Equipment type  Number of equipment failure reports  Number of serious equipment failure reports 
			  Afghanistan—1 May2006 to 31 October 2006   
			 Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) 56 0 
			 Saxon 2 0 
			
			  Iraq—1 May 2006 to 31 October 2006   
			 Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank 132 1 
			 Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) 16 0 
			 Challenger Repair and Recovery Vehicle 13 0 
			 FV 430 Series 2 0 
			 Saxon 2 0 
			 Warrior 224 8

Compensation Payments

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been paid in the form of compensation by HM Armed Forces in each year since 1997, broken down by service; and for what reasons compensation has been paid.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 11 December 2006
	The information requested is contained in the Ministry of Defence's Claims Annual Reports, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

Compulsory Discharge

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the armed forces in each service were compulsorily discharged in each year since 1997-98, broken down by  (a) senior and  (b) junior officer and (i) senior and (ii) junior ranks.

Derek Twigg: The following tables show outflow from trained strength to civil life of UK regular forces since financial year 1997-98 for reasons which may be deemed to include compulsory discharge, broken down by NATO Rank groupings.
	
		
			  Officers 
			   1997-98  1998-99  1999-2000  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06 
			  Services no longer required and disciplinary( 1) 10 20 40 20 20 10 20 30 (2)40 
			  Naval Service 10 10 20 10 0 10 10 20 30 
			 OF-4 to OF-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 
			 OF-l toOF-3 10 10 10 10 0 10 10 20 20 
			  Army 0 10 10 0 10 10 10 10 0 
			 OF-4 to OF-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 OF-1 toOF-3 0 10 10 0 10 10 10 10 0 
			  RAF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (2)0 
			 OF-4 to OF-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (2)0 
			 OF-1 to OF-3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (2)0 
			   
			  Medical( 3) 50 60 60 60 50 50 60 70 (2)60 
			  Naval Service 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 
			 OF-4 to OF-9 10 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 OF-1 to OF-3 10 10 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 
			  Army 20 30 20 20 10 20 10 30 20 
			 OF-4 to OF-9 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 
			 OF-1 to OF-3 20 20 20 10 10 10 10 20 10 
			  RAF 10 20 10 20 20 10 30 20 (2)20 
			 OF-4 to OF-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 10 (2)0 
			 OF-1 to OF-3 10 20 10 20 10 10 20 20 (2)20 
			   
			  Redundancy( 4) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (2)0 
			  Naval Service 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 OF-4 to OF-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 OF-1 to OF-3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			  Army 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 OF-4 to OF-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 OF-1 to OF-3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			  RAF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (2)0 
			 OF-4 to OF-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (2)0 
			 OF-1 to OF-3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (2)0 
			   
			  Time Expiry( 5) 1,080 1,060 900 850 820 790 760 880 (2)880 
			  Naval Service 290 260 220 200 180 180 190 190 190 
			 OF-4 to OF-9 80 90 80 70 80 80 80 80 80 
			 OF-1 to OF-3 210 170 140 120 100 100 100 110 110 
			  Army 450 470 370 320 320 300 240 320 340 
			 OF-4 to OF-9 80 80 90 70 130 100 100 120 120 
			 OF-1 to OF-3 370 390 280 240 190 200 140 200 220 
			  RAF 340 330 310 340 310 310 330 360 (2)350 
			 OF-4 to OF-9 70 70 70 100 80 90 80 90 (2)90 
			 OF-1 to OF-3 270 260 240 240 240 220 250 280 (2)260 
		
	
	
		
			  Other ranks 
			   1997-98  1998-99  1999-2000  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06 
			  Services no longer required and disciplinary( 1) 1,410 1,570 1,580 1,780 1,990 1,960 2,240 2,430 (2)2,240 
			  Naval Service 120 170 240 300 300 290 270 270 270 
			 OR-6 to OR-9 10 10 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 
			 OR-1 to OR-4 110 160 230 300 290 280 260 270 270 
			  Army 1,220 1,360 1,290 1,430 1,650 1,630 1,890 2,070 1,840 
			 OR-6 to OR-9 10 10 10 0 10 0 0 10 10 
			 OR-1 to OR-4 1,220 1,350 1,280 1,420 1,640 10 1,620 1,890 2,070 1,840 
			  RAF 70 40 60 50 50 40 80 90 (2)130 
			 OR-6 to OR-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (2)0 
			 OR-1 to OR-4 60 40 50 50 50 40 80 90 (2)120 
			   
			  Medical( 3) 1,170 1,080 1,150 1,000 1,000 900 830 1,020 (2)1,060 
			  Naval Service 440 500 540 450 390 330 280 380 390 
			 OR-6 to OR-9 100 110 140 110 100 80 70 100 90 
			 OR-1 to OR-4 340 390 390 340 300 250 200 280 300 
			  Army 530 430 460 400 460 470 320 500 480 
			 OR-6 to OR-9 60 40 60 60 80 80 40 90 70 
			 OR-1 to OR-4 470 390 400 340 380 390 280 410 410 
			  RAF 200 150 150 150 140 100 230 140 (2)190 
			 OR-6 to OR-9 50 40 40 60 50 40 70 50 (2)50 
			 OR-1 to OR-4 150 110 110 100 90 60 160 90 (2)140 
			   
			  Redundancy( 4) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (2)80 
			  Naval Service 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 OR-6 to OR-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 OR-1 to OR-4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			  Army 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 OR-6 to OR-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 OR-1 to OR-4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			  RAF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (2)80 
			 OR-6 to OR-9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (2)10 
			 OR-1 to OR-4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (2)70 
			   
			  Time Expiry( 5) 4,390 4,480 4,210 4,140 3,870 3,880 3,140 3,070 (2)3,580 
			  Naval Service 1,190 1,170 1,110 1,000 890 890 740 580 420 
			 OR-6 to OR-9 1,000 1,020 960 840 690 700 550 460 350 
			 OR-1 to OR-4 190 150 160 160 200 190 190 120 70 
			  Army 1,560 1,720 1,770 1,730 1,690 1,810 1,570 1,840 2,290 
			 OR-6 to OR-9 1,260 1,350 1,560 1,470 1,460 1,540 1,370 1,630 2,030 
			 OR-1 to OR-4 300 370 210 270 230 270 210 220 260 
			  RAF 1,630 1,590 1,320 1,400 1,290 1,180 820 640 (2)870 
			 OR-6 to OR-9 430 440 400 430 410 400 300 310 (2)380 
			 OR-1 to OR-4 1,200 1,160 930 960 880 790 520 330 (2)480 
			 (1) Includes personnel leaving due to irregular enlistment. (2) Due to the introduction of a new personnel administration system for RAF, all RAF data for financial year 2005-06 are provisional and subject to review. (3) Includes all personnel who have been considered medically unfit for continued service. It should be noted however that in certain instances personnel may be willingly leaving the armed forces. (4) Figures are for those personnel who have been made redundant on compulsory terms. (5) Time expiry refers to personnel who reach the end of their engagement/commission and leave. This may include a number of personnel who do not wish to leave the armed forces but who are not transferred to a longer engagement/commission. These personnel cannot be separated from those who wish to leave the armed forces.  Notes: 1. Figures are for UK regular forces which includes nursing services and excludes full time reserve service personnel, Gurkhas, the home service battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment and mobilised reservists. 2. Due to the rounding methods used, totals may not always equal the sum of the parts. When rounding to the nearest 10, numbers ending in five have been rounded to the nearest multiple of 20 to prevent systematic bias.

Conventional Military Threats

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he has made of the existing major conventional military threats to  (a) the UK and  (b) NATO.

Des Browne: As a matter of routine, the capabilities of non-NATO nations to target the UK and NATO are monitored. Current assessments show there are no direct conventional military threats to the UK or NATO. However, this cannot be ruled out in the future.

Departmental Correspondence

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the  (a) meetings and  (b) correspondence between his Department and BAE Systems to date in 2006-07.

Adam Ingram: Ministers and officials have regular contact with BAE Systems through various media. This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society: Combat Stress

Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much funding has been provided from the public purse to the Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society (Combat Stress) in each of the last five years.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 7 December 2006
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my predecessor on 2 June 2006,  Official Report, column 37W, which includes funds from the MOD and Scottish Health Board, to the hon. Member for North Down (Lady Hermon).
	The funding provided by MOD to the Ex-Service Mental Welfare Society in each of the last five years is detailed in the following table. Funds are provided through the War Pensions scheme's discretionary power to meet the cost of any necessary expenses in respect of medical, surgical or rehabilitative treatment of ex-members of the armed forces that arise wholly or mainly as a result of disablement due to service before 6 April 2005 where it is not provided for under other UK legislation. This includes the individual costs of war pensioners undergoing "remedial treatment" at homes run by Combat Stress for conditions related to their individual pensioned disablement and of related expenses such as travel costs. Combat Stress receives separate funding from the Scottish Health Board for war pensioners' treatment at Hollybush House.
	
		
			   £ million 
			 2001-02 1.2 
			 2002-03 1.5 
			 2003-04 1.6 
			 2004-05 2 
			 2005-06 2.3

Operational Allowance

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the specified operational locations are for the operational allowance; and what methodology was used to identify them.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 11 December 2006
	The specified qualifying locations for the operational allowance are the geographical boundaries of Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans. The allowance will also be paid to personnel on board Royal Navy ships in Iraqi territorial waters and to military personnel who fly into or over one of the qualifying locations. The qualifying locations have been determined on the basis of military advice from the Permanent Joint Headquarters. A number of factors, including the number of serious incidents and the threat assessment, were used to assess the enduring nature of the danger in these locations.

Phalanx C-RAM Anti Mortar System

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department has evaluated the existing Counter Battery Radar to be adapted to provide targeting data for the Phalanx C-RAM Anti Mortar system.

Adam Ingram: Initial assessments of the Phalanx C-RAM Anti Mortar system indicate that it is not appropriate for our current requirements, but we keep the operational situation under review. We have not therefore considered the adaptation of the Counter Battery Radar to provide targeting data for this system. We provide layered protection for British bases in Iraq and Afghanistan through a range of force protection methods.

Priory Group

Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what funding his Department has provided to the Priory Group for  (a) psychological and  (b) psychiatric treatments in each of the last five years.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 7 December 2006
	The Priory Group's contract for the provision of in-patient mental healthcare for Service personnel commenced on 1 April 2004. The cost of the contract so far is as follows:
	
		
			   £ million 
			 2003-04 0.36 
			 2004-05 4.15 
			 2005-06 4.45 
			 2006-07( )(Spend to October 2006) 2.21 
			  Source: Healthcare Directorate, Defence Medical Services Department 
		
	
	These figures include the cost of assessing patients as well as any treatment provided. They also include costs for services provided by the Priory Group between 1 December 2003 and 31 March 2004 prior to the current contract. The MOD pays the Priory Group centrally via a single contract so the figures cannot be broken down to show the amount spent on different categories of treatment.

Thermal Imaging

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to replace Sophie thermal imaging equipment.

Adam Ingram: The Sophie system provides a long-range thermal imaging capability, deployed at company level. We are currently examining options to provide a new lightweight and highly portable thermal imaging capability. We also issued a new Light Weight Thermal Imaging sight at platoon level earlier this year.

Trident

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 4 December 2006,  Official Report, column 87W, on Trident, where in the Prime Minister's statement of 4 December the information requested in Question 106409 may be found.

Des Browne: The statement made on 4 December by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister summarised the conclusions of the White Paper (Cm 6994) on the future of the UK's nuclear deterrent. Section 3 of that paper states:
	"In terms of their destructive power, nuclear weapons pose a uniquely terrible threat and consequently have a capability to deter acts of aggression that is of a completely different scale to any other form of deterrence. Nuclear weapons remain a necessary element of the capability we need to deter threats from others possessing nuclear weapons".
	Conventional forces cannot therefore replicate the deterrent effect of our nuclear forces. The White Paper makes clear that the investment required to maintain our deterrent will not come at the expense of the conventional capabilities our armed forces need.

Trident

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 4 December 2006,  Official Report, column 87W, on Trident, where in the Prime Minister's statement of 4 December the information requested in Question 106408 may be found.

Des Browne: The options considered for the UK's future nuclear deterrent were summarised in the statement by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 4 December 2006,  Official Report, column 22, and covered more fully in Section 5 and Annex B of the White Paper (Cm 6994) published that day.

UK Nuclear Stockpile

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government have taken to reduce the UK's nuclear stockpile since the withdrawal of the WE 177 freefall bomb in 1998.

Des Browne: holding answer 7 December 2006
	Since completing the withdrawal of the WE 177 freefall bomb, we have dismantled all the remaining Chevaline warheads which had previously been deployed on the Polaris system. We have also reduced the maximum number of operationally available Trident warheads to fewer than 200. In the White Paper published on 4 December 2006, we announced our decision to make a further reduction in the maximum number of operationally available warheads to fewer than 160.

Vanguard Submarine

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the latest year of main gate for the procurement of the first replacement Vanguard submarine necessary in order to maintain the skills base of the UK's existing submarine construction capacity.

Des Browne: The timing of key decisions on the programme to develop new submarines to replace the Vanguard class will be driven by defence needs. Subject to the outcome of the detailed concept work, we would aim to place a contract for their detailed design by around 2012 to 2014. It is too early to speculate on timings beyond that point.

Veterans: Mental Health

Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the new community mental health service for veterans to be launched.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 7 December 2006
	The Government are committed to good mental health and well-being for their personnel, both in service and after they leave. For veterans, healthcare is primarilythe responsibility of the NHS. Following recommendations on mental health services for veterans in 2005 by the independent Health and Social Care Advisory Service, officials from the Ministry of Defence, the UK Health Departments and Combat Stress have been working together to develop and implement a new community-based model for mental health services for veterans. It is hoped that, beginning in the spring of 2007, the model will be piloted at sites across the UK. The pilots are likely to last two years and, if successful, will be rolled out nationally. Demobilised Reservists are already covered by the enhanced post-operational mental healthcare programme that I announced on 21 November 2006,  Official Report, column 28WS.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

Departmental Bodies

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many projects have been undertaken by the  (a) Social Exclusion Taskforce and  (b) Office of the Third Sector since it was established; what assessment she has made of the effect of each project; and if she will make a statement.

Patrick McFadden: The Prime Minister announced the creation of the Office of the Third Sector (OTS) in May 2006, to drive forward the Government's role in supporting and working with the sector. The Office brings together responsibilities that were formerly in the Home Office and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
	The Office has already supported the passage of the Charities Bill through Parliament; established the new Commissioner for the Compact; launched programmes to promote charitable giving and volunteering by groups at risk of social exclusion and to promote and develop a series of new measures for supporting the growth of social enterprises, as set out in our recent 'Social Enterprise Action Plan'; embarked on a major review of the 'Role of the Third Sector in Social and Economic Regeneration', jointly with Her Majesty's Treasury; and prepared measures for enhancing the role of the Third Sector in improving public services, which will be published in December. The longer-term impact of programmes funded by the Office, such as the Futurebuilders investment programme and the youth volunteering charity v, is subject to ongoing evaluations.
	The Social Exclusion Task Force (SETF) now leads cross-Government work on social exclusion. The SETF was established in July 2006 and in September 2006 published "Reaching Out: An Action Plan on Social Exclusion". The action plan proposes a range of systematic reforms aimed at changing the way we deliver help and support to the socially excluded.
	SETF worked closely with the Department for Communities and Local Government to ensure that the local government White Paper proposals were built upon, and developed this approach.
	The action plan launches a series of pilots, including 10 health-led parenting support demonstration projects from pre-birth to age two, interventions for tackling mental health problems in childhood such as 'Multi-systemic Therapy' and 'Treatment Foster Care', and alternative approaches to improving outcomes for people with chaotic lives and multiple needs. The SETF is closely involved in the development and delivery of these projects alongside other Government Departments.
	The SETF will be focusing on the delivery of the pilots by undertaking evaluations to assess the impact of the new demonstration projects.

Parliamentary Questions

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster pursuant to her answer of 29 November 2006,  Official Report, column 767W, whether her Department grades or classifies written parliamentary questions according to their political sensitivity.

Patrick McFadden: No.

Parliamentary Questions

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster pursuant to the answer of 29 November 2006,  Official Report, column 767W, on parliamentary questions, if she will place in the Library a copy of the internal guidance in use in her Department on 6 December 2006 on  (a) answering parliamentary questions for written answer and  (b) procedures for handling Freedom of Information Act requests.

Patrick McFadden: When answering parliamentary questions the Cabinet Office takes account of the requirements of the Ministerial Code, the Civil Service Code and Cabinet Office Guidance to Officials on Drafting Answers to Parliamentary Questions, copies of which are available in the Library for the reference of Members. The internal guidance is for internal purposes only.
	In dealing with requests under the Freedom of Information Act the Department takes account of the requirements of the legislation. In addition, the Department for Constitutional Affairs publishes procedural and exemptions guidance which is available in the Library for the reference of Members and on the DCA website at:
	http://www.dca.gov.uk/foi/guidance/exguide/index.htm.

Press Officers

John Hayes: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what the Government's policy is on press officers participating in blogs.

Patrick McFadden: The conduct of press officers is governed by the Civil Service Code and the Guidance on Government Communications. The latter is available at:
	http://www.comms.gov.uk/public_website/guidance/propriety/government-communications.aspx.
	This sets out the basic conventions which apply to all Government communication, including using e-media such as blogs.

Retirement Age

Mike Hancock: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster pursuant to the answer of 4 December 2006,  Official Report, columns 189-90W, on the retirement age, what her Department's policy is for the setting of retirement ages for staff below the senior civil service under the Civil Service (Management Functions) Act 1992.

Patrick McFadden: The Cabinet Office retirement age for staff below the senior civil service is the national default retirement age of 65. It was adopted on Sunday 1 October 2006 when the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations took effect, making it illegal for an employer to retire an employee below the age of 65. Cabinet Office policy seeks to support its business by providing a skilled and professional workforce with opportunities for development and advancement, irrespective of age.

Statistics

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much the Cabinet Office spent on statistics relating to its work in each of the last five years.

Patrick McFadden: Information on how much the Cabinet Office has spent on statistics relating to its work in each of the last five years is not separately recorded on the Department's accounting system and is therefore not available.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Ministerial Vehicles

Oliver Heald: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the estimated annual cost is of his ministerial car and driver, including all running costs and depreciation.

Stephen Ladyman: I have been asked to reply.
	I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 8 November 2006,  Official Report, column 1574W, given to the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. Pickles).

MINISTER FOR WOMEN

Parliamentary Questions

David Laws: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality how many parliamentary written questions she received in each parliamentary session since 2001; and how many of these questions  (a) were not answered because of disproportionate cost,  (b) were not answered,  (c) received answers referring back to a previous answer (i) asked by the hon. Member and (ii) asked by another hon. Member and  (d) were grouped together for answer.

Meg Munn: The information requested is not held centrally by the Department and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Figures for written parliamentary questions tabled to the Minster for Women and Equality since 5 May 2006 are included in the response to the question from the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (question 107450).

Parliamentary Questions

David Laws: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what target her staff has for the maximum acceptable amount of time to answer parliamentary written questions; and what percentage of parliamentary answers met that target in each parliamentary session since 2001.

Meg Munn: We aim to answer written parliamentary questions within the timescales specified by Parliament which is that named-day questions should be answered on the day named, and ordinary written questions within a working week.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Census

Mike Hancock: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many representations the Information Commissioner has received on her Department's policy on the confidentiality of census records.

Vera Baird: The Information Commissioner has received no representations on the Government's policy that census records should remain closed for 100 years after their creation. He has, however, received nine complaints relating to requests for specific information contained in the 1911 records.

Census

Mike Hancock: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what representations she has received in the last 12 months from  (a) the Federation of Family History Societies,  (b) the UK Centre for Census Access Studies and  (c) others on the 100 year census closure rule; and if she will make a statement.

Vera Baird: Over the last 12 months the National Archives has received no direct representations from the Federation of Family History Societies on the 100 year census closure rule.
	The National Archives has received no representations from the Centre for Census Access Studies on the 100 year census closure rule but has had Freedom of Information requests and follow-ups on the subject from an individual known to be associated with the centre.
	Since December 2005, The National Archives has answered 113 ministerial letters and 18 written parliamentary questions on 1911 census, the release of census records and the 100 year closure period.

Consultants

John Hayes: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs which 10 consultancy fees charged to her Department since May 1997 were the most expensive.

Vera Baird: Since 1999 the 10 highest consultancy fees charged to my Department have been:
	 PricewaterhouseCoopers
	Consultancy Fee £2,162,000 (2004-05)
	Provided support for the conclusion of phase 1 of the consumer strategy project part of DCA five-year plan falling in 2004/05.
	 Deloitte MCS Ltd.
	Consultancy Fee £1,603,700 (2004-05)
	Implementation of IT Shared Services including the creation of a new DCA IT delivery organisation.
	 PA Consulting
	Consultancy Fee £1,307,196 (2005-06)
	Developed the national implementation and roll-out of the Courts Act and improvements with regard to community penalties.
	 PA Consulting
	Consultancy Fees £1,304,050 (2004-05)
	Consultancy support in relation to Courts Act Pilots data/performance analysis and identification of best practice procedures.
	 Deloitte MCS Ltd.
	Consultancy Fees £888,688 (2005-06)
	Development of a financial management function including payment mechanisms, review of payment and change management activities and creation of a new change management operational process.
	 KPMG
	Consultancy Fee £817,751 (2004-05)
	Consultancy support connected with the successful reorganisation of the DCA and subsequent transition planning.
	 Towers Perrin
	Consultancy Fee £627,893 (2005-06)
	HR Consultancy to investigate potential options to support the Transformation Programme—including Pay and Grading Project and Performance Management.
	 Barkers Advertising
	Consultancy Fee £561,458 (2005-06)
	Provision of a specialised suite of advertising material for use in future campaigns across the country by the magistrates recruitment team and local advisory committees during recruitment periods.
	 C International
	Consultancy Fee £522,000 (2001-02)
	Revenue Grant Allocation Project guidance on best practice implementation.
	 Arthur D. Little
	Consultancy Fee £504,488 (2001-02)
	Development of a financial costing model.
	Information prior to 1999 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	My Department uses consultants for the provision of expert professional advice and support on specific, time-limited tasks, usually in connection with projects, but sometimes in support of the ongoing operation of the Department.
	The levels of expenditure reflect the wide-ranging and fast-paced programme to modernise the Department's work, to increase efficiency and to provide better customer service and value for money for the taxpayer.
	Delivering such a programme, in the most effective and efficient way, has necessitated the use of external expertise and skills to supplement the Department's own resources.

County Courts: Wandsworth

Justine Greening: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many  (a) family,  (b) injunctions,  (c) small claims,  (d) fast tracks,  (e) multi tracks,  (f) possessions,  (g) return of goods,  (h) landlord and tenant leasehold renewal,  (i) interim and final charging orders and  (j) third party debt and other enforcement cases passed through Wandsworth county court in each of the last five years.

Harriet Harman: holding answer 5 December 2006
	There are 18 county courts in the London civil and family business area of HM Courts Service. This includes Wandsworth county court, which is located in the south-west of London and has civil and family jurisdiction. The rest of the information requested can be found in the following table.
	
		
			   2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			 Family (Divorce Proceedings) 1,216 1,165 1,255 1,123 196 
			 Civil Injunctions 75 80 117 88 65 
			 Family Injunctions 385 444 393 425 73 
			 Small Claims 833 820 982 867 517 
			 Fast Track 310 436 651 583 324 
			 Multi Track 288 245 343 278 182 
			 Possessions 1,821 1,710 1,806 2,136 1,289 
			 Return of Goods 70 81 86 73 48 
			 Landlord and Tenant Renewal 176 215 43 1 0 
			 Interim Charging Orders 164 120 195 298 176 
			 Final Charging Orders 74 114 143 244 140 
			 Interim Third Party Debt Orders 112 81 72 75 38 
			 Final Third Party Debt Orders 29 18 27 18 12 
			 Warrant of Execution 601 611 521 526 263 
			 Warrant of Delivery 50 43 46 28 8 
			 Warrant of Possession 1,341 1,301 1,436 1,681 1,014 
			 Achievement of Earnings 512 520 487 571 331

Departmental Statistics

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how much her Department spent on statistics relating to the work of her Department in each of the last five years.

Vera Baird: There is no definition of the term "statistics relating to the work of the Department" and no centrally held information on either the volume or costs of statistics published each year on this basis.
	Estimates for the annual costs of National Statistics are contained in the relevant National Statistics annual report and accounts, which are available on the National Statistics website at:
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=l051.
	Copies are also available in the Library for the reference of Members.
	The last year these were produced was 2004-05.

Electoral Administration Act

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether local authorities will be compensated for the new burdens introduced under the Electoral Administration Act 2006.

Bridget Prentice: Local authorities in England and Wales have already been provided with funding for the new burdens introduced under the Electoral Administration Act, and more is planned.
	A total of £19.9 million has been transferred to English local authorities in 2006-07, and £1.2 million will be transferred to the National Assembly for Wales. The same sum will be transferred in 2007-08. Additionally, the following funding will be made available:
	Up to £12.2 million for the new postal vote identifier arrangements, spread over 2006-07 and 2007-08. The exact sum will depend on the number of people on absent voter lists on 1 January 2007 and on postal voting volumes on 3 May 2007;
	£650,000 for barcode scanning equipment in 2007; and
	Up to £2.5 million per year, starting in 2007-08, for the electoral participation fund, which was established by the Act.

Electoral Fraud

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the timetable is for representatives from her Department to meet the delegation from the Council of Europe to discuss election fraud.

Bridget Prentice: No meeting has been requested.
	We will, of course, be happy to meet the delegation, to explain the changes we have made to the system of postal voting.

Freedom of Information

John Spellar: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs who the members of the Freedom of Information Users Group are; and what the declared political affiliation is of each member.

Vera Baird: Members of the Information Rights User Group are as follows:
	Ian Readhead, Deputy Chief Constable of Hampshire
	Peter Bottomley MP
	Adrian Pollitt
	Paul Bettison
	Steve Bailey
	Lord Lester of Herne Hill
	John Hipwood
	Professor Robert Hazell
	Rosemary Jay
	Maurice Frankel
	Anthony Kenny
	Bob Satchwell
	Austin Mitchell MP
	Judith Cullen
	Richard Thomas, the Information Commissioner (observer)
	Lord Lester is a Liberal Democrat Peer. Paul Bettison is Leader of Bracknell Forest borough council (Conservative), Peter Bottomley is a Conservative MP and Austin Mitchell is a Labour MP.
	Information about the political affiliations of the other members is not held. The membership has been drawn solely on the ability of the group to assist Government in ensuring that public authorities are responsive to the needs of the users of both the Freedom of Information and Data Protection Acts and the Environmental Information Regulations. Political affiliation was not used as a criterion for the selection of the user group members.

Judicial Documents

John Hayes: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will make a statement on the proposed EU development of legislation amending Regulation (EC) 1348/2000 on the service of judicial and extrajudicial documents in civil or commercial matters; and what its legal base is.

Bridget Prentice: Regulation 1348/2000 provides procedures for serving legal documents issued in one European Union member state to someone in another member state. After reporting on the application of the regulation the European Commission issued a proposal to amend the regulation in July 2005. The Government have welcomed this proposal, which will improve procedures including encouraging increased speed of service and introducing transparency of costs. The legal base is Article 65 of the Treaty establishing the European Community.

Local Elections

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what factors will be considered when evaluating value for money in assessing applications for  (a) election pilots and  (b) e-voting pilots for the May 2007 local elections.

Bridget Prentice: Predicted expenditure or savings by the authorities will be taken into account in the selection of pilots for 2007.
	Although pilots are likely to cost more per vote to implement compared to traditional voting methods, value for money derives from what any pilot provides in terms of lessons learnt which inform how elections can be modernised and administrated more efficiently in the future. The maximisation of that learning against the actual moneys spent is what underpins value-for-money considerations for any pilot or series of pilots.

Official Cars

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many cars run by her Department were manufactured  (a) in the UK and  (b) abroad.

Harriet Harman: My Department does not hold a central record of how many of the cars run by the Department were manufactured in the UK or abroad. Such information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. My Department also uses cars operated by the Government Car and Despatch Agency. Information on cars operated by the Government Car and Despatch Agency is available on page 14 of its annual report and accounts 2005-06, copies of which are available in the Library for the reference of Members.

Postal Votes

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs pursuant to the answer of 27 November 2006,  Official Report, column 344W, on postal votes, whether her Department plans to invite local authorities to apply to pilot all-postal voting methods in future elections.

Bridget Prentice: The Department has no current plans to invite local authorities to apply to pilot all-postal voting methods in elections.

Secondments

Iain Duncan Smith: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs which staff in her Department  (a) are seconded from organisations with charitable status and  (b) have (i) costs and (ii) salaries met (A) in part and (B) in whole (1) from public funds and (2) by the charity from which they are seconded.

Vera Baird: There is currently no business or other requirement for the DCA to collate this information. Basic information on secondments is recorded on the HR system, but it does not identify whether organisations are charitable or the associated funding arrangements. At present one individual is on secondment to the Department, and inquiries have shown that the organisation he is seconded from does not have charitable status.
	This excludes magistrates staff, as HR systems holding these data were unavailable owing to systems development activity.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Consultants

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department spent on consultant fees in each year since 2001; how much he estimates will be spent on such fees in each year to 2010; how many contracts have been extended beyond the time period specified in the original contract; and what the length of the extension was in each case.

David Hanson: The NI Departments and the Northern Ireland Office have spent the following on consultancy fees for the period 2002-03 to 2005-06:
	
		
			   £ million 
			 2002-03 12.300 
			 2003-04 15.540 
			 2004-05 15.800 
			 2005-06 16.514 
		
	
	Information in respect of 2001-02 is not available on a consistent basis and is unlikely to be ascertained even at disproportionate cost.
	The estimated committed expenditure for the period 2006-07 to 2009-10 is as follows:
	
		
			   Estimated expenditure (£ million) 
			 2006-07 26.465 
			 2007-08 14.026 
			 2008-09 4.390 
			 2009-10 3.288 
		
	
	These estimates reflect current planned expenditure including commitments of ongoing projects, Central Initiatives and Reforms, Review of Public Administration and Water Reform. The estimates for the later years are limited and additional expenditure is likely to be required as new policy issues arise. It is anticipated that ongoing expenditure will be broadly in line with that of previous years with an easing off on the 2006-07 position when the major reform initiatives are completed.
	Fifty-nine contracts have been identified as having been extended beyond the time frame specified in the original contract, and the length of the extension in each case is detailed as follows:
	
		
			  Duration of extension  Number of contracts 
			  Day(s):  
			 1 1 
			 3 1 
			 4 1 
			 5 2 
			 6 1 
			 6.5 1 
			 7 1 
			 8 1 
			 8.5 1 
			 10 1 
			 11 1 
			 12 I 
			 16.5 1 
			 35 1 
			 46 1 
			 159 1 
			   
			  Weeks:  
			 3 1 
			 8.5 1 
			 15 1 
			 17.5 1 
			   
			  Month(s):  
			 1 2 
			 2 4 
			 3 7 
			 4 3 
			 5 1 
			 6 6 
			 7 3 
			 8 1 
			 9(1) 3 
			 10 1 
			 11 3 
			 15 1 
			 18 1 
			   
			  Year(s):  
			 1 1 
			 2.5 1 
			 (1) One still ongoing. 
		
	
	The table excludes possible extensions by three Departments, as they could provide the information only at disproportionate cost.

Environmental Governance

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in the review of environmental governance in Northern Ireland; when he expects the review to be completed; and if he will make a statement.

David Cairns: The independent panel carrying out the review of environmental governance published an interim report of its findings on 29 September 2006 and, following further research and public consultation, will publish its final report by the end of March 2007.

Mains Water Supply

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications for connection to mains water supply for new rural properties were submitted in each year from  (a) 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2006 and  (b) 1 April 2006 to 30 October 2006; how many of these applications have been (i) approved and (ii) rejected; and how many are outstanding.

David Cairns: The Chief Executive of Water Service (Mrs. Katherine Bryan) has written to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.
	 Letter from Mrs. Katharine Bryan, dated 11 December 2006:
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question about how many applications for connection to mains water supply for new rural properties were submitted in each year (a) 1(st) April 2000 to 31(st) March 2006 and (b) 1(st) April 2006 to 30 October 2006; of these how many have been approved, rejected; and how many are still outstanding (105094). I have been asked to reply as this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Water Service.
	Water Service does not catalogue applications for connection to existing watermains according to whether they are in rural or urban areas. Consequently, it is not possible to provide information on applications for water connections to exclusively serve new rural properties. In addition, while the details of the total number of applications received in each year from 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2006 are set out in the following table, the information requested on applications approved, rejected and outstanding for these years could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			   Number of applications 
			 2000-01 10,280 
			 2001-02 11,825 
			 2002-03 11,915 
			 2003-04 11,542 
			 2004-05 11,596 
			 2005-06 11,784 
		
	
	Details of applications received from 1 April 2006 to 30 October 2006, including those approved, rejected and pending are set out in the table below.
	
		
			  Applications  Number  Percentage 
			 Received 6,687 — 
			 Approved 6,181 92.00 
			 Refused 132 1.97 
			 Incomplete 218 3.26 
			 Pending 147 2.20 
		
	
	As you can see, a very high proportion of applications received are granted approval. It is unusual for applications to be refused. Typically this would only arise where a watermain was not available for connection or where there was insufficient pressure in the watermain at the proposed point of connection. In the case of incomplete applications, these are returned to the applicant requesting the missing information.
	If there is a particular case that you have encountered, or if you have concerns about the processing of applications in a particular area of Northern Ireland, please do not hesitate to bring it to my attention and I will ensure that the matter is thoroughly investigated.

Mains Water Supply

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how long it takes on average to process an application for a connection to mains water supply for a new property in a rural area.

David Cairns: The Chief Executive of Water Service (Mrs. Katharine Bryan) has written to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.
	 Letter from Mrs. Katharine Bryan, dated 11 December 2006:
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question about how long it takes on average to process an application for a connection to mains water supply for a new property in the rural area (105093).
	I have been asked to reply as this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Water Service,
	Water Service's records of applications for connection to existing watermains do not distinguish whether they are from rural or urban areas. All applications are subject to the same process irrespective of location.
	In accordance with its Customer Charter, Water Service aims to provide a decision in respect of applications for connection to an existing watermain within 15 working days, subject to the applicant having submitted all the required information and plans. During the period 1 April 2006 to 30 October 2006 Water Service received 6,677 applications, of which 83% received a decision within 15 working days.
	If there is a particular case that you have encountered or if you have concerns about the processing of applications in a particular area of Northern Ireland, please do not hesitate to bring it to my attention and I will ensure that the matter is investigated.

Outreach Support

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the waiting time for children with dyslexia to receive outreach support from Beechlawn Specific Learning Difficulties Service.

Maria Eagle: Education and Library Boards (ELBs) assess and make provision for pupils on an individual basis, in line with the code of practice on the assessment of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the supplement to it. This includes the provision of appropriate outreach support for pupils who do not have a statement of SEN.
	When such support is oversubscribed it is proper that boards establish criteria for those pupils referred for outreach support. Beechlawn Specific Learning Difficulties Service, which can support 34 pupils over the course of an academic year, is consistently oversubscribed. The South Eastern Education and Library Board applies seven criteria for support, viz:
	1. Pupil for whom the Board has a statutory duty to maintain a Statement of SEN
	2. Pupils who were on the waiting list from the previous academic year
	3. Pupils in Primary 7
	4. Pupils in Primary 6
	5. Pupils in Primary 5
	6. Pupils in Primary 4
	7. Pupils in other year groups.
	The chief executive of the SEELB has confirmed that in 2006-07 pupils meeting criteria one to five are receiving support. Pupils meeting criteria six to seven are on the waiting list for 2007.

Terrorism

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps his Department is taking to educate the population of Northern Ireland about the threat of terrorism.

Paul Goggins: The Home Office leads on UK threat levels and on International Terrorism. Its open source website and that of the Security Service provide threat advice for the whole of the UK. In NI, the Independent Monitoring Commission reports regularly on the threat of Irish terrorism, and both Ministers and the Chief Constable make regular public statements.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

British Waterways

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the budget for British Waterways was in each of the last 20 years in  (a) cash and  (b) real terms.

Barry Gardiner: The following tables show the grant in aid paid by the Government to British Waterways between the financial years of 1987-88 and 2006-07.
	
		
			  Pre-devolution 
			  £ million 
			   Total government funding 
			  Financial year  Actual cash grant  Grant in real terms at today's prices 
			 1987-88 35.2 67.3 
			 1988-89 36.8 65.8 
			 1989-90 38.8 64.7 
			 1990-91 48.9 75.6 
			 1991-92 50.0 72.9 
			 1992-93 51.1 72.1 
			 1993-94 49.3 67.8 
			 1994-95 48.9 66.3 
			 1995-96 49.8 65.5 
			 1996-97 51.0 64.9 
			 1997-98 51.9 64.2 
			 1998-99 53.6 64.6 
			 1999-2000 59.0 69.7 
			 2000-01 64.9 75.7 
		
	
	
		
			  Post devolution 
			  £ million 
			   DEFRA  Scottish Executive  Total government funding 
			  Financial year  Actual cash grant  Grant in real terms at today's prices  Actual cash grant  Grant in real terms at today's prices  Actual cash grant  Grant in real terms at today's prices 
			 2001-02 61.4 69.9 8.6 9.8 70.1 79.8 
			 2002-03 71.6 79.1 9.5 10.5 81.1 89.6 
			 2003-04 76.6 82.2 14.5 15.6 91.1 97.7 
			 2004-05 59.1 61.7 13.0 13.6 72.1 75.3 
			 2005-06 62.6 64.1 12.0 12.3 74.6 76.4 
			 2006-07 55.5 55.5 10.9 10.9 66.4 66.4

Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he will reply to the letter of 1 November 2006 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr. L.F. Sebastien.

Barry Gardiner: I apologise for the delay. A reply was sent on 7 December 2006.

Crop Spraying

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total cost was of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution's report "Crop Spraying and the Health of Residents and Bystanders".

Ian Pearson: DEFRA does not hold this information. The cost of the report would be a matter for the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution.

Department Staff

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many and what percentage of staff employed in his Department were registered disabled in each year since 2001.

Barry Gardiner: Data on the disabled status of DEFRA employee, for the years requested, are available on the civil service website. The latest available data are as at April 2005 and these, together with previous years' data, can be found at the following website addresses:
	http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/management/statistics/publications/xls/report_2005/table_p.xls
	for data as at April 2005,
	http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/management/statistics/publications/xls/disability_apr04_4nov04.xls
	for data as at April 2004, and
	http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/management/statistics/archive/index.asp
	for previous reporting periods.
	Declaration of a disability is voluntary.

Departmental Expenditure

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his Department's budgeted expenditure against outturn has been in each month since April 2006; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: Departmental expenditure is assessed against Estimate and Treasury control limits on a financial year basis. Analysis of expenditure across months within a financial year is not undertaken in this manner, but is subject to sound internal financial management control towards achieving an outturn within Estimate and control total limits at the end of the financial year.

Departmental Finance

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what the Department's capital expenditure  (a) budget and  (b) out-turn was in each year since 2001-02 in cash terms, broken down by estimate subhead;
	(2)  what the reasons were for capital spending exceeding original allocations in his Department in 2005-06.

Barry Gardiner: The 2005-06 outturn is stated according to Treasury guidance on the treatment of capital grants to third parties for 2006-07. Such grants are treated as current grants for estimate purposes, but are capital grants for budgeting purposes. The Treasury were content with this treatment, which is set out in the Public Expenditure White Paper for 2005-06, CDM 6883.
	As it reflects a reclassification, the overspend for 2005-06 is apparent rather than real, and was matched by a corresponding underspend in near-cash resource DEL.

Departmental Staff

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many staff were employed on a consultancy basis in  (a) his Department and  (b) each of its agencies in each of the last five years for which information is available; and what the (i) average and (ii) longest period was for which a consultant was employed in each year.

Barry Gardiner: Information is not held centrally on how many personnel were engaged on a consultancy basis in the Department and each of its agencies in each of the last five years and on what the average and longest period was for which a consultant was employed in each year. The information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Staff

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his Department's annual budget is for employing workers on a consultancy basis; and how much of this budget has been used in each of the last five years for which records are available.

Barry Gardiner: The Department does not set an annual budget for engaging workers on a consultancy basis. There is no presumption in favour of consultancy and it is bought in when it is needed. From data held centrally, the amount spent on management and business consultancy in each of the last five years is as follows.
	
		
			  Financial year  Value (£) 
			 2002-03 15,317,093 
			 2003-04 20,260,714 
			 2004-05 78,671,992 
			 2005-06 44,136,007 
			 1 April 2006 to 27 September 2006 10,760,237 
		
	
	Figures for the financial years 2004-05 onward include spending on management and business consultancy combined, following reclassification of expenditure on professional services. Figures for previous financial years reflect expenditure on management consultancy alone.

Departmental Statistics

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much his Department spent on statistics relating to the work of his Department in each of the last five years.

Barry Gardiner: There is no definition of the term "statistics relating to the work of the Department" and no centrally held information on either the volume or costs of statistics published each year on this basis.
	Estimates for the annual costs of National Statistics are contained in the relevant National Statistics annual report and accounts, which are available on the National Statistics website at:
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=1051.
	Copies are also available in the Library for the reference of Members.
	The last year these were produced was 2004-05.

Departmental Studies

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which studies have been commissioned by his Department from  (a) external agencies,  (b) companies,  (c) academics and  (d) individuals in 2006.

Ben Bradshaw: I will arrange for the information requested to be placed in the Libraries of the House.

Farm Subsidies

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the value of cross-compliance penalties relating to 2005 single farm payment has been; and what European Commission guidance there is on the percentage of single farm applications which require cross-compliance checks made on them.

Barry Gardiner: The value of cross-compliance penalties relating to the 2005 single payment scheme (SPS) is £555,230.
	European Commission guidance on the percentage of SPS applications which require cross-compliance checks is set out in Article 44 paragraph 1 of Commission Regulation (EC) 796/2004 which states:
	"The competent control authority shall, with regard to the requirements or standards for which it is responsible, carry out checks on at least 1 per cent. of all farmers submitting aid applications."

Farm Subsidies

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his policy is on the proposals of EU Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel to cap payments under the Single Farm Payment.

Barry Gardiner: Mariann Fischer Boel has not made a proposal to cap farm payments under the SFP. We expect proposals on a number of aspects of the SFP under the "Healthcheck"—and this might be one of them—although do not expect these to emerge for at least a year.
	When Franz Fischler proposed a cap of 300 000 euros in Agenda 2000 we opposed it on the basis that this would: be distorting to the industry by discouraging the adoption of sensible, market-based, business models; prove administratively burdensome; and imbalance the CAP budget by penalising yet further net contributors to the budget like the UK and Germany. Nor did we agree that capping is an effective or rational way of supporting poor farmers as it has no direct bearing on income. The solution for poor farmers is through normal social security channels and encouraging a profitable farm sector, not perpetuating a distorting CAP.

Farm Subsidies

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he will respond to the comments made in the National Audit Office report into the administration of the 2005 single payment scheme.

Barry Gardiner: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has welcomed the NAO's thorough report and made clear that the Department and Rural Payments Agency will draw on its findings and recommendations in taking forward work on the single payment scheme (SPS). Formal responses will be made in course to the forthcoming reports on the subject from the Public Accounts Committee and the EFRA Select Committee.

Farm Subsidies

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many individuals are involved in the administration of the Single Payment Scheme, in terms of  (a) headcount and  (b) whole-time-equivalent.

Barry Gardiner: Current numbers of full-time equivalents working on SPS processing is approximately 2,043. Headcount data are not maintained.

Farm Subsidies

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  pursuant to the answer of 27 November 2006,  Official Report, column 306W, on the Rural Payments Agency, how many of the single payment scheme cases which are difficult to resolve are due to  (a) partnership disputes,  (b) liquidation and  (c) divorce; and what assessment has been made of the merits of providing for additional compensation in these cases;
	(2)  pursuant to the answer of 27 November 2006,  Official Report, column 306W, on the Rural Payments Agency, how many of the single payment scheme cases which are difficult to resolve are due to  (a) partnership disputes,  (b) liquidation and  (c) divorce; and what assessment has been made of the merits of providing for additional compensation in these instances.

Barry Gardiner: There are currently eight priority one cases falling into the "difficult to resolve" category. Since the answer given on 27 November one has been paid and one has been established as not being due a payment.
	Of these eight cases, two are due to a partnership or executor dispute. None of the cases now outstanding are due to divorce or liquidation.
	As regards compensation I would refer to the statement made by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 22 June 2006.

Gender Equality

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure that private organisations contracted to work  (a) in his Department and  (b) for non-departmental public bodies and executive agencies for which his Department is responsible are aware of their duties under gender equality legislation when exercising public functions on behalf of public bodies.

Barry Gardiner: DEFRA's General Conditions of Contract require contractors to take all reasonable steps to ensure the observance of the provisions of the Sex Discrimination Acts 1975 and 1986 and any other relevant statutory employment obligations. This requirement extends to all servants, employees or agents of the contractor and all sub-contractors employed in the execution of contracts. Further, DEFRA's tendering procedures will refer also to the Equal Opportunities Commission's (EOC) Code of Practice of the Gender Equality Duty and any further EOC guidance when available.
	From 6 April 2007, private sector organisations, when carrying out functions of a public nature on behalf of public authorities, will be required to comply with the general gender equality duty which is to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination and harassment and promote equality of opportunity between women and men.

Genetically Modified Organisms

John Penrose: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the Government considers minimum safe crop separation distance to prevent cross-pollination between GM and non-GM plants and crops by  (a) insects and  (b) wind.

Ian Pearson: Genetically modified (GM) crops will not be grown unless they pass a rigorous case-by-case assessment of their potential impact on human health and the environment. This means that separation distances are unnecessary for safety reasons, although they are still applied, on a precaution basis, in the context of GM trials.
	Separation distances should be based on the relevant evidence on cross-pollination for each crop species in question, which will reflect whether the crop is largely insect-pollinated or wind-pollinated. The science indicates that most cross-pollination takes place at relatively short distances. However, it can occur infrequently over very long distances, depending on insect movements and the prevailing weather conditions.
	Based on a report by the National Institute of Agricultural Botany, proposed separation distances for maize and oilseed rape were included in our consultation paper on the co-existence of GM and non-GM crops. This is available at:
	http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/gmnongm-coexist/index/htm

IT Projects

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much  (a) capital and  (b) revenue funding was (i) allocated and (ii) spent on Information Technology by his Department and each of its agencies in each financial year since 2001-02 in 2006-07 prices.

Barry Gardiner: Specific information as requested is not held centrally and to gather this detail would incur a disproportionate cost to the Department.
	I would like to refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 21 September 2006,  Official Report, column 2550W.

Local Government Targets

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what targets his Department sets for local authorities.

Ben Bradshaw: DEFRA's targets for local authorities are included in the overall set of best value performance indicators (BVPIs).
	BVPIs are an integral part of the comprehensive performance assessment framework for local authorities, which measures how well councils are delivering services for local people and communities.
	BVPIs have statutory performance targets and are monitored by the Audit Commission to ensure the robustness of data. As a standardised suite of performance indicators, BVPIs help central Government and the public to monitor, analyse and compare the achievements of a local authority.
	Indicators relevant to this Department are shown as follows.
	 Waste and cleanliness
	BV82a—Household waste management (recycling)
	BV82b—Household waste management (composting)
	BV82c—Household waste management (energy recovery)
	BV82d—House waste management (landfill)
	BV84a—Household waste collection (kilograms per head)
	BV84b—Household waste collection (percentage change in kilograms per head)
	2BV86—Cost of household waste collection
	BV87—Municipal waste disposal costs
	BV91a—Kerbside collection of recyclables (one recyclable)
	BV91b—Kerbside collection of recyclables (two recyclables)
	BV199a—Local street and environmental cleanliness—litter and detritus
	BV199b—Local street and environmental cleanliness—graffiti
	BV199c—Local street and environmental cleanliness—fly-posting
	BV199d—Local street and environmental cleanliness—fly-tipping
	 Environment and environmental health
	BV216a—Identifying contaminated land
	BV216b—Information on contaminated land
	BV217—Pollution control improvements
	 Transport
	BV178—Footpaths and Rights of Way Easy to Use by the Public

Manpower

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many and what percentage of staff in  (a) his Department and  (b) agencies for which he is responsible were (i) on fixed term appointments and (ii) supplied by agencies in each of the last three years.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 5 December 2006
	The number and percentage of staff (in full-time equivalents) in DEFRA and its agencies employed on fixed term appointments is shown in the following table.
	
		
			   2004  2005  2006 
			  Department/Agency  FTE  Percentage  FTE  Percentage  FTE  Percentage 
			 DEFRA 114 2 74 1 107 2 
			 CEFAS 9 2 7 1 8 2 
			 CSL 19 3 18 3 25 4 
			 GDS — — — — 0 0 
			 MFA — — — — 5 3 
			 PSD 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 RPA 496 14 368 11 287 10 
			 SVS — — 1 0 6 0 
			 VLA 35 3 26 2 38 3 
			 VMD 0 0 0 0 0 0 
		
	
	Information on the number of staff supplied by employment agencies is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Marine Climate Change

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what effect the Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership Annual Report Card on the marine environment will have on his Department's fisheries policy.

Ben Bradshaw: The impacts of climate change are of key importance to fisheries policy. The results of the Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership Annual Report Card will be taken into account in the development of the Department's fisheries policy and properly integrated into decision-making.

Organic Milk

Robert Walter: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  how much raw organic milk was sold in the UK in each of the last five years; and how much was imported from EU countries in each year;
	(2)  what incentives his Department provides to dairy farmers to produce raw organic milk for the UK market.

Barry Gardiner: By "raw", I assume the hon. Member means liquid milk rather than unpasteurised milk, which can only be sold under very restricted circumstances, so quantities would be small.
	The Government are keen to encourage the expansion of organic production and have published an action plan to develop the organic sector in England.
	The action plan aims to help UK producers meet more of the demand for organic produce, including raw milk, and seeks to increase farmers' confidence in the future prospects for organic production. In support of the action plan, and in recognition of the benefits organic farming produces for the environment, financial aid is available under the Organic Entry Level Stewardship scheme. This aid is available to existing organic farmers and those converting to organic production.
	The following table provides estimates of sales and imports of liquid organic milk from the years 2001-02 until 2005-06. Figures for 2006-07 are not currently available. However, it is expected that a limited quantity of liquid organic milk will be imported during this period.
	
		
			   Million litres 
			   Milk sold as organic  Imports 
			 2001-02 (1)137.0 0 
			 2002-03 (2)167.4 0 
			 2003-04 (2)174.9 0 
			 2004-05 (2)205.7 0 
			 2005-06 (3)201.0 0 
			 (1)Soil Association organic food and farming report 2003 (2)Soil Association organic market report 2005 (3)Forecast volume—source organic milk market report January 2006, published by the Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative (OMSCo)

Parliamentary Questions

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many parliamentary written questions his Department received in each parliamentary session since 2001; and how many of these questions  (a) were not answered because of disproportionate cost,  (b) were not answered,  (c) received answers referring back to a previous answer (i) asked by the hon. Member and (ii) asked by another hon. Member and  (d) were grouped together for answer.

Barry Gardiner: The hon. Member's question cannot be answered without incurring disproportionate costs.

Parliamentary Questions

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what target his Department has for the maximum acceptable amount of time to answer parliamentary written questions; and what percentage of parliamentary answers met that target in each parliamentary session since 2001.

Barry Gardiner: The Department's aim is to answer parliamentary questions within the time scales specified by Parliament. We aim to answer named day questions on the named day and ordinary written questions within a working week.

Pollution

Howard Stoate: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what powers are available to local authorities to take action against businesses that have illegally deposited fats, oils and greases into the sewerage system.

Ben Bradshaw: Under section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (ERA), it is an offence to deposit controlled waste without a waste management licence or to dispose of controlled waste in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health. It will be for the enforcing authority to decide whether an offence might have been committed and whether or not to prosecute a business, in line with its enforcement policy and the evidence and circumstances of the individual case.
	Local authorities have a statutory duty to check their areas for existing and potential statutory nuisances under section 79 of the ERA. Once satisfied that a statutory nuisance does or may in the future occur, a local authority must serve an abatement notice, under section 80 of the ERA, requiring that the nuisance be ceased or abated within a specified time scale. Statutory nuisance can include "any premises in such a state as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance"; and "any dust, steam smell or other effluvia arising on industrial, trade or business premises" and "any accumulation or deposit" which is prejudicial to health or a nuisance.
	Building regulations state that drainage systems should be provided in such a way that they function properly without causing blockages or nuisance. Section 59 of the Building Act 1984, enforceable by local authorities, requires that drainage systems remain satisfactory while in use.
	It is an offence under section 111 of the Water Industry Act 1991 Act, for a person to empty into a public sewer, any matter which is likely to injure the sewer, to interfere with the free flow of its contents or prejudice the treatment and disposal of its contents. Any person who is found guilty of an offence is liable to a fine or imprisonment, or both.

Prosecutions

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent legal advice his Department has sought on the legitimacy of recent prosecutions in Northamptonshire for  (a) deception in relation to the beef special premium scheme contrary to section 1 of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981 and  (b) knowingly or recklessly providing false information regarding the date of birth of an animal contrary to Regulation 5 (2) of the Cattle Database Regulations 1998, made pursuant to section 2 (2) of the European Community Act 1972.

Barry Gardiner: No advice has been sought recently regarding specific prosecutions in Northamptonshire.
	The Department has concluded that convictions under the Cattle Database Regulations 1998 may be unsafe due to problems with cross-references to links to European legislation. My right hon. friend the Secretary of State made a written ministerial statement on 15 June 2006,  Official Report, column 67WS. stating this was a matter for the courts to decide. Defendants to prosecutions brought by the Department have been alerted to the issue by letter and informed they may challenge their convictions at court if they wish to do so.

Rural Payments Agency

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what charges the  (a) European Union and  (b) other organisations have made claims from his Department for delays in payments by the Rural Payments Agency.

Barry Gardiner: Additional costs, in the form of reduced EU funding, may arise in relation to payments under the 2005 direct payment schemes, including the Single Payment Scheme (SPS), which are made after the end of the regulatory payment window on 30 June 2006. However, the European Commission has yet to make any formal proposals in this regard.
	The Rural Payments Agency continues to pay interest, subject to a minimum level of £50, on payments under the EU 2005 direct payment schemes which were made after 30 June. A total of 3,384 claimants have received £596,042 to date.

Rural Payments Agency

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many complaints have been received by the Rural Payments Agency in 2006.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 7 December 2006
	The Rural Payments Agency has received 558 official complaints in 2006 covering all areas of its business.

Rural Payments Agency

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many follow up calls have been made by the Rural Payments Agency since 5 June 2006; and how many which were outstanding at that date are still due to be made.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 7 December 2006
	The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has made 5,777 follow up calls since 5 June 2006. There were 338 outstanding call backs at 5 June 2006 which have all been made.

Rural Payments Agency

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the  (a) shortest and  (b) longest processing times were for processing applications for a payment to farmers and agricultural businesses in each year since 2001.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 7 December 2006
	Between 2001 and 2004 the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) processed payments to farmers and agricultural business under 11 different farm-based schemes. Payments under these schemes were made within individual payment windows. With effect from January 2005, the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) replaced the 11 legacy schemes and introduced a single payment window.
	In each of the years 2001 to 2004, RPA made payments on the first day of at least one payment window. This represents the shortest time for processing an application. The first payment under SPS was made three months into the payment window.
	In each year, RPA processed difficult cases affected by issues such as probate or liquidation which will have prevented payment for up to several years.

Waste Televisions

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what regulations regulate disposing of waste television sets in landfill sites.

Ben Bradshaw: Government policy is to move away from reliance on landfill and to encourage more sustainable waste management through greater reduction, reuse and recycling. There are alternative waste management options for dealing with waste television sets so we would not generally expect this type of waste to go to landfill.
	The EU landfill directive introduces requirements that aim to reduce the negative effects of landfilling on the environment and any risk to human health. The Government have transposed the requirements of the landfill directive via The Landfill (England and Wales) Regulations 2002 (as amended). The Environment Agency is responsible for enforcing waste legislation in England and Wales.
	The landfill directive also requires that only waste that has been subject to treatment can be landfilled. Items such as cathode ray tubes, which are found in televisions, are classified as hazardous wastes. The pre-treatment requirement for hazardous waste has been in place since July 2004. The requirement to pre-treat non-hazardous waste comes into effect from 30 October 2007. If waste television sets are destined for landfill, they will have to meet the pre-treatment requirements.
	From 1 July 2007, waste television sets will also be subject to selective treatment requirement prior to disposal under regulations implementing the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) directive, which is due to come into force in early January 2007.

Woodland

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the environmental effects of tax relief options available to private owners of woodland; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: No assessment has been made. There is no evidence to suggest that the need to manage woodland on a commercial basis, as required in order to be eligible for business property relief, is having a detrimental effect on the environment. Woodland management work, including felling and replanting, can often enhance biodiversity and other environmental values.

Year of Food and Farming

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funding his Department plans to provide for the Year of Food and Farming Education initiative.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 7 December 2006
	The Year of Food and Farming is an industry-led initiative supported by DEFRA, the Department for Education and Skills and the Department of Health.
	Detailed plans for the initiative have yet to be worked up. However, to date DEFRA has provided £30,000 to assist in developing the concept of the year. We have also agreed to second a member of staff to the secretariat, hosted by the Royal Agricultural Society of England, which will oversee delivery of the year alongside the charity Farming and Countryside Education (FACE).
	In addition, DEFRA is already actively engaged in reconnecting young people with food, farming and the countryside. For example, over 1,000 farmers around England currently receive grants to provide educational visits free of charge for schools and other educational groups as part of their agri-environment scheme agreement. Visits allow the farm to be used as a 'countryside classroom' for a variety of curricular subjects and other studies which include explanation of environmentally sensitive farming methods and how the food we eat is produced.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Local Councillors

Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether she has assessed the merits of having full-time elected local councillors.

Meg Munn: In the Local Government White Paper, we announced an independent review of the incentives and barriers to serving on councils. The review will look at a range of issues, including the time commitments expected of councillors and Cabinet members. The review will be established early next year, and we expect it to report in the autumn.

South East Plan Report

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for what reason the Government commissioned Roger Tym and Partners to produce a report on the South East Plan.

Angela Smith: The Government commissioned this research to augment the evidence base for the Examination in Public. It is important to note that this is not a report on the South East Plan as suggested by the hon. Member. The intention in commissioning the work was to make sure that the evidence is available to inform an open and wide ranging debate at the EiP. The report has not reviewed or revised the South East Plan or developed alternatives to the plan.

Neighbourhood Management Models

George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how she will assess the benefits of proposed neighbourhood management or governance models in local authority areas.

Phil Woolas: The Local Government White Paper announced a policy that is strongly devolutionary. It will be primarily for each local authority to assess the benefits of any new models it implements. The impact of neighbourhood management will be judged under the new performance framework announced in the White Paper, which will come into force in due course.

Civil Partnerships Act

Julie Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment she has made of the effect of the provisions of the Civil Partnerships Act 2004 on same sex couples.

Phil Woolas: The Civil Partnership Act gives lesbian and gay couples legal recognition for their relationships and provides a legal framework of rights and responsibilities. Figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that there were over 15,000 civil partnerships formed in the UK between December 2005 and the end of September 2006.

Regional Inequalities

Jim Devine: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans she has to ensure that local authorities and city regions tackle regional inequalities.

Yvette Cooper: Reducing regional inequalities is a key Government priority. The joint review of sub-national economic development and regeneration will establish how the Government can best devolve powers to support growth and reduce regional inequalities.

Brixham Town Council

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether she expects the proposed town council for Brixham to be established before 1 April 2007 as referred to in a letter from the Chairman of the Electoral Commission to the hon. Member for Totnes of 27 April 2006.

Phil Woolas: The Department for Communities and Local Government made an order on 4 December 2006 creating a new parish of Brixham with effect from 1 April 2007. This order directs Torbay council to establish a parish council for the new parish. The parish council once created may resolve to call itself a town council.

Brixham Town Council

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the timetable will be for the election of a town council for Brixham; and whether she plans to schedule it to coincide with the election for the unitary authority on 5 May 2007.

Phil Woolas: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 26 April 2006,  Official Report, column 924W, advising that the electoral arrangements for the new parish council of Brixham are the responsibility of the Electoral Commission. Subject to the Commission issuing an order for electoral arrangements this should be in time for any elections in 2007.

Commission for Equality and Human Rights

Angela Watkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) names,  (b) length of service,  (c) relevant experience and  (d) organisational affiliations are of the (i) current and (ii) previous members of the steering group of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights.

Meg Munn: The Commission for Equality and Human Rights Steering Group was an advisory body to Government made up of key stakeholders including representatives of the equality commissions, the new equality strands and human rights, business, the TUC and Scottish and Welsh interests. Its main role was to advise on the work needed to establish the CEHR as a fully functioning organisation. It also provided a mechanism for the Government to keep stakeholders abreast of developments towards the Equality Act and seek views as appropriate. Meetings are usually held monthly.
	Details of steering group membership are given in the following table.
	The steering group members were in post for slightly more than two years, as the group was set up in September 2004 and disbanded on 17 October 2006 in light of the appointment of Commissioners for the CEHR. When it was first set up it was chaired by a senior DTI official and later by the Deputy Minister for Women and Equality.
	
		
			  Steering group members 
			  Name  Background 
			 Nick O'Brien, Director of Legal Services, Disability Rights Commission. 
			 Anne Watts OBE Member of Business in the Community—an umbrella organisation of 700 UK companies—leading its work on workplace issues. Formerly Head of Diversity and Employee Support at HSBC Bank plc. 
			 Sarah Veale Head of Equality and Employment Rights Department, TUC. Member of ACAS Council and the Government's Better Regulation Task Force. 
			 Tim Hopkins Head of Equality Network which campaigns for human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Scotland. 
			 Teresa Rees CBE Academic at Cardiff University specialising in gender inequality in fields such as education, training and the labour market. Former EOC Commissioner for Wales, long-term consultant to EC and adviser to Welsh Assembly Government in its commitment to pay due regard to equality of opportunity for all. 
			 Ilyas Patel Member DTI Small Business Council since July 2004. Involved in a number of DTI led business-think tanks and advisory committees. 
			 Hanne Stinson Executive Director of the British Humanist Association. 
			 Francesca Klug OBE Professorial Research Fellow and Director of Human Rights Futures at the London School of Economics. Speciality is the Human Rights Act and domestic human rights protection generally. 
			 Gordon Lishman OBE Director General of Age Concern England (ACE). 
			 Mohammed Aziz Founding Chief Executive Officer of Forum Against Islamophobia and Racism and British Muslim Research Centre. CRE commissioner since January 2004 and EOC Commissioner from spring 2005. Adviser to Muslim Council of Britain. 
			 Caroline Slocock Chief Executive, EOC. 
			 Faz Hakim Director of Corporate and Government Relations, Commission for Racial Equality. 
			 Ben Summerskill Chief Executive of Stonewall. 
			 Rita Donaghy OBE Chair of ACAS's Council since 2000. 30 years experience working in employment relations. Member of the Low Pay Commission, the Equal Opportunities Commission Task Force and chaired the TUC Disabilities Forum. In 2004 appointed to the Committee on Standards in Public Life.

Commission for Equality and Human Rights

Angela Watkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will publish the minutes of the meetings of the steering group of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights.

Meg Munn: The steering group advising Government on the establishment of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights has recently completed its work. The minutes of the meetings will be published on the CEHR website in the new year.

Correspondence

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when she will reply to the letter dated 25 September 2006 from the hon. Member for North Down in relation to her Department's proposals to outlaw sexual orientation discrimination in the provision of goods and services.

Meg Munn: A reply was sent to the hon. Lady on 4 December.

Council Housing: Waiting Lists

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the change in the number of households on council waiting lists for social housing has been since 1997.

Meg Munn: 1.63 million households in England are on the waiting list for social housing. The number of households on the waiting lists was broadly unchanged from 1997 until 2001-02. There has been a significant increase in the last four years which reflects the difficulties of affordability faced by those trying to get on to the housing ladder.

Council Tax: Coventry

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much Coventry council received from council tax revenues in each of the last 10 years.

Phil Woolas: The council tax received by Coventry council in each of the last 10 years is shown in the following table. The figures shown for each year include both arrears received for previous years and prepayment of council tax for subsequent years.
	
		
			   £000 
			 1996-97 49,807 
			 1997-98 52,754 
			 1998-99 56,193 
			 1999-2000 61,115 
			 2000-01 67,067 
			 2001-02 70,868 
			 2002-03 74,311 
			 2003-04 81,007 
			 2004-05 83,152 
			 2005-06 86,207 
		
	
	The data are as reported on QRC4 forms submitted by all billing authorities to the Department for Communities and Local Government each year.

Engagements

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether she plans to attend the Regeneration and Housing Conference at the University of Bedfordshire at Putteridge Bury on 11 December in a ministerial capacity.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 27 November 2006
	My right hon. Friend did not attend this conference.

Engagements

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether the Minister for Housing and Planning will be attending the Regeneration and Housing Conference at the University of Bedfordshire at Putteridge Bury on 11 December in a ministerial capacity.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 30 November 2006
	Yes.

Fire Services

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps she is taking to clarify the role of firefighters in co-responding following judgment in the recent Nottinghamshire case.

Angela Smith: Co-responding offers tremendous benefits to the public and the fire sendee and the scheme is working well in other parts of the country. As Nottingham and Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Authorities have been given leave to appeal on this specific case it would not be inappropriate for me to comment on this case. I very much hope that the differences between the employers and the Fire Brigades Union can be resolved through negotiation.

FOI Requests

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many requests for internal reviews of Freedom of Information requests within her Department are outstanding.

Angela Smith: Communities and Local Government currently has 19 requests for internal review either awaiting or undergoing review.

FOI Requests

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what her Department's target time is for the conducting of internal reviews of Freedom of Information requests; and what the average time taken to conduct such reviews has been to date.

Angela Smith: Although the Freedom of Information Act does not prescribe the period for completing an internal review, the Department aims to follow the recommendations for target times for completing reviews that are set out in guidance issued by the Department for Constitutional Affairs. The Department does not presently collect information on the average time taken to conduct a review, but figures regarding the Department's target times for responding to initial Freedom of Information requests are published quarterly by the Department for Constitutional Affairs. The most recent figures, covering the period April-June 2006 are available on the DCA website at:
	www.dca.gov.uk/foi/reference/statsAndReports/stats06_apr-jun.htm.

FOI Requests

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many requests for internal reviews of Freedom of Information requests her Department received in each year since the Act was introduced; and how many such requests it has received in 2006.

Angela Smith: Communities and Local Government and its predecessor department, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, received 35 requests for internal review in 2005, and in 2006 has so far received 30 requests for internal review. These figures include the Government offices for the regions.

Gender Equality

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  when she expects to publish her Department's gender equality scheme;
	(2)  what steps she is taking to ensure that  (a) her Department and  (b) the non-departmental public bodies and executive agencies for which she is responsible are taking steps to meet the requirements of the forthcoming duty on public bodies (i) to end unlawful discrimination and harassment and (ii) to promote equality between women and men;
	(3)  what plans she has to carry out gender impact assessments of major policy developments and new legislation as required by the forthcoming gender equality duty.

Meg Munn: My Department expects to publish its Gender Equality Scheme by 30 April 2007, in line with legal requirements.
	My Department and its executive agencies will be taking the steps outlined in the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (Public Authorities) (Statutory Duties) Order 2006 (No. 2930) which should come into force on 6 April 2007. Carrying out these steps will ensure better performance on the general gender equality duty, which requires public authorities to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination and harassment and promote equality of opportunity between women and men. Non-departmental public bodies are responsible for producing their own gender equality schemes.
	From April 2007, my Department will carry out impact assessments of major policy developments and new legislation in line with the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (Public Authorities) (Statutory Duties) Order 2006 (No. 2930). We shall refer to Equal Opportunities Commission's (EOC) Code of Practice on the Gender Equality Duty and their specific guidance.

Local Government Funding

Andy Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) cash and  (b) percentage change in funding was for (i) Leicestershire county council and (ii) Charnwood borough council in each year since 1997.

Phil Woolas: The following table shows both the cash and percentage change in formula grant funding for Leicestershire county council and Charnwood borough council on a like-for-like basis i.e. after adjusting for changes in funding and function.
	
		
			   Leicestershire 
			   Previous year's adjusted( 1)  formula grant (£ million)  Current year's formula grant( 2)  (£ million)  Change (£ million)  Percentage change 
			 1998-99 248.373 251.647 3.274 1.3 
			 1999-2000 251.647 264.453 12.806 5.1 
			 2000-01 264.452 276.012 11.560 4.4 
			 2001-02 276.429 289.179 12.749 4.6 
			 2002-03 263.700 282.285 18.585 7.0 
			  
			  Amended 
			 2003-04 298.556 317.057 18.501 6.2 
			 2004-05 307.703 329.119 21.416 7.0 
			 2005-06 331.737 354.163 22.426 6.8 
			 2006-07(3) 77.019 79.245 2.227 2.9 
			  
			  Provisional 
			 2007-08 77.777 79.877 2.100 2.7 
		
	
	
		
			   Charnwood 
			   Previous year's adjusted formula grant (£ million)  Current year's formula grant (£ million)  Change (£ million)  Percentage change 
			 1998-99 8.031 8.424 0.392 4.9 
			 1999-2000 8.424 8.568 0.144 1.7 
			 2000-01 8.568 8.768 0.200 2.3 
			 2001-02 8.833 9.375 0.542 6.1 
			 2002-03 9.223 9.619 0.395 4.3 
			  
			  Amended 
			 2003-04 9.455 10.116 0.661 7.0 
			 2004-05 9.382 9.708 0.326 3.5 
			 2005-06 9.744 10.085 0.341 3.5 
			 2006-07(3) 10.770 11.176 0.406 3.8 
			  
			  Provisional 
			 2007-08 11.129 11.579 0.451 4.0 
			 (1) The previous years' grant has been adjusted to ensure a like-for-like comparison. (2 )Formula grant comprises revenue support grant, redistributed business rates and principal formula police grant, where appropriate. (3) Prior to 2006-07, support for schools was provided by formula grant. From 2006-07, support for schools is provided by dedicated schools grant.

Local Government Standards

Lynda Waltho: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of overview and scrutiny committees in improving local government performance.

Phil Woolas: Our evidence, including the Evaluating Local Governance study being undertaken by the University of Manchester, shows that overview and scrutiny can make a real difference to councils' decisions and help them, as leaders of their communities, to address issues which really matter to local people: recent examples range from access to health and social care to the night-time economy.

Lyons Review

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what progress has been made with the Lyons Review; and when she expects it to be reported to Parliament.

Phil Woolas: The Lyons Inquiry's final report will be published around the time of Budget 2007.

Lyons Review

Patrick Hall: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when she expects the Lyons Review to be  (a) completed and  (b) published; and when the Government will publish its response.

Phil Woolas: As the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his pre-Budget report the Lyons Inquiry's final report will be published around the time of Budget 2007, and will inform the Comprehensive Spending Review 2007.

Procurement Projects

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the 20 largest procurement projects initiated by her Department since May 1997 have been; what the  (a) original budget,  (b) cost to date and  (c) consultancy fees have been; and what the final cost was of each project which has been completed.

Angela Smith: The Department does not centrally hold all of the information sought. Provision of this detail would therefore incur disproportionate cost. The following however provides a listing of 20 of the Department's more important procurement projects and their budgets.
	
		
			  Procurement Project  Budget (£) 
			 FireLink 350,000,000 
			 FiReControl 190,000,000 
			 New Dimension 75,900,000 
			 Housing and Employment Mobility Services Agreement 35,200,000 
			 Government Office IT service out-sourcing project 31,800,000 
			 Information Technology services out-sourcing project 28,000,000 
			 National Evaluation of New Deal for Communities 25,100,000 
			 National co-ordinating body for home improvement agencies 5,800,000 
			 National Evaluation of Neighbourhood Management Pathfinders 4,750,000 
			 Social Housing Efficiency Challenge Fund 4,000,000 
			 Planning Portal 3,030,000 
			 Logasnet—Grants Authorisation System 3,018,000 
			 Grants authorisation system (GASPSS/LOGASnet) 3,018,000 
			 Client Record form 2,900,000 
			 Renewal.Net 2,500,000 
			 BuyNet (e-Ordering) 2,500,000 
			 National Register of Social Housing 2,400,000 
			 National Change Agent for Capital Works in Social Housing 2,400,000 
			 Fire Incident Recording System 2,100,000 
			 Supporting People National Directory of Services 2,100,000 
		
	
	The Department's annual report 2006 also gives some background to spending in Communities and Local Government.

Public Toilets

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what information she holds on the provision of public toilets in  (a) Gateshead, East and Washington, West,  (b) the North East and  (c) England; and if she will make a statement.

Phil Woolas: The provision and maintenance of toilets in public places is at the discretion of local authorities who have, under section 87 of the Public Health Act 1936, a power to provide public conveniences, but no duty to do so. For this reason, the information requested is not held centrally. Figures from the Valuation Office Agency indicate the number of public conveniences open to the public between 2000 and 2004 and are set out as follows. Valuation Office Agency figures do not include information at constituency level:
	
		
			  Number of public conveniences open to the public( 1) 
			  Government office region  North East  England 
			 2000 286 5,342 
			 2002 280 5,157 
			 2003 276 4,996 
			 2004 260 4,853 
			
			 Percentage reduction 9.1 9.2 
			 (1) VGA totals given in the table show conveniences that are open to the public. They will include stand alone conveniences, and also those located in (for example) car parks and shopping malls.

Regional Fire Control

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the expected dates are for  (a) commencement and  (b) completion of the operational assessment tests of the new regional fire control centre proposed for the East Midlands.

Angela Smith: The precise dates depend on which prime contractor is chosen in the infrastructure services procurement for the FiReControl project which is being run under EU procurement rules. In addition, dates will depend on Communities and Local Government validating with the fire and rescue services, post-contract award, the time needed and their ability to meet readiness requirements to ensure plans are realistic and achievable.

Regional Fire Control

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the expected date is by which fire emergency control rooms in the East Midlands will have completed the transition to the proposed new regional fire control centre; and if she will make a statement.

Angela Smith: The precise dates depend on which prime contractor is chosen in the infrastructure services procurement for the FiReControl project which is being run under EU procurement rules. An updated timetable is expected to be published early in the new year once a contract has been awarded. In addition, dates will depend on validating with the fire and rescue service, post-contract award, on the time needed and ability to meet readiness requirements to ensure plans are realistic and achievable.

Sustainable Communities Summit

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which Minister in her Department took the decision to cancel the Sustainable Communities Summit 2007.

Yvette Cooper: The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government took the decision on 25 May 2006 on the advice given by officials.

Thames Gateway Bridge

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when she expects to announce her decision on the proposal for the Thames Gateway Bridge.

Meg Munn: The Secretary of State received the Inspector's report following the public inquiry into the proposed Thames Gateway Bridge on 17 November. We have no firm date for issuing the decision, but we will aim to do so as quickly as possible.

Parliamentary Questions

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many parliamentary written questions her Department received in each parliamentary session since 2001; and how many of these questions  (a) were not answered because of disproportionate cost,  (b) were not answered,  (c) received answers referring back to a previous answer (i) asked by the hon. Member and (ii) asked by another hon. Member and  (d) were grouped together for answer.

Angela Smith: The number of written parliamentary questions received in each parliamentary session by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and its predecessor Department the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) is tabled as follows:
	
		
			  Session  Total number of written parliamentary questions from all hon. Members  Written parliamentary questions from the hon. Member for Yeovil 
			 2002-03(1) 3,745 41 
			 2003-04 3,142 16 
			 2004-05 1,333 10 
			 2005-06(2) 6,057 51 
			 2006-07(3) 437 18 
			 (1) Figures provided are since the ODPM was formed on 29 May 2002. (2) Figures provided include the ODPM prior to 5 May 2006 and the DCLG and the Minister for Women and Equality since 5 May 2006. (3) Figures provided are for the period 15 November to 30 November 2006 for the DCLG and the Minister for Women and Equality. 
		
	
	The other information requested in the hon. Member's question is not held centrally by the Department and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

TREASURY

Consultants

John Hayes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which 10 consultancy fees charged to his Department since May 1997 were the most expensive.

John Healey: For the Treasury's total spending on consultants I refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Dr. Cable) on 29 November 2006,  Official Report, columns 720-21W. An analysis of consultancy spending by individual supplier to identify the 10 most expensive fees since 1997 could be completed only at disproportionate cost.

Demographics

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what forecast he has made of the population of Peterborough city council area in  (a) five,  (b) 10 and  (c) 15 years time.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 12 December 2006:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your question regarding the projected population of Peterborough City Council in (a) five, (b) ten and (c) fifteen years. (107089)
	The table below provides the projected population in Peterborough City Council for 2011, 2016 and 2021. These projections are based on mid-2004 population estimates and are the latest projections available. They assume that local trends in fertility, mortality and migration over the reference period 2000 to 2004 will continue into the future.
	
		
			  Table 1: Projected population of Peterborough city council area in 5,10 and 15 years time 
			   Projected population (Thousand) 
			 2011 163 
			 2016 166 
			 2021 169 
			  Source:  Office for National Statistics, 2004-based subnational population projections

Economic Statistics: City of York

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the gross domestic product per head of resident population was in City of York  (a) parliamentary constituency and  (b) council area in each year since 1992.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 12 December 2006:
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question on annual per capita GDP for the City of York by parliamentary constituency and council area in each year since 1992. (106677)
	Information on per capita GDP by parliamentary constituency and council area is not available.
	However, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) do produce estimates of regional Gross Value Added(1) (GVA) using  Nomenclature of Units for Territorial Statistics (NUTS) areas. City of York is a NUTS Level 3 area (generally groups of unitary authorities or districts, also known as local areas), and data was published in December 2005 for the period 1995 to 2003. Data consistent with these estimates does not exist prior to 1995. Information is shown in the table below.
	(1 )GVA is GDP less taxes plus subsidies on products.
	
		
			  Gross value added per head, York NUTS Level 3,1995-2003 
			   GVA per head, York (£) 
			 1995 12,254 
			 1996 13,109 
			 1997 14,125 
			 1998 15,003 
			 1999 15,600 
			 2000 16,159 
			 2001 16,771 
			 2002 17,608 
			 2003 18,512

Gershon Review

Hywel Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with the Welsh Assembly Government on the achievement of economic targets in Objective One areas of Wales relating to the Gershon Review.

Stephen Timms: Treasury Ministers and officials have discussions with a wide range of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy analysis, development and delivery. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government's practice to provide details of all such discussions.

HMRC: Wales

David Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultation his Department has carried out with  (a) employees,  (b) the accountancy profession and  (c) taxpayers on the proposed closure of HM Revenue and Customs offices in Wales.

John Healey: On 16 November HM Revenue and Customs announced a regional review programme of all its offices to bring its accommodation back into line with operational requirements. The Programme will include a consultation exercise with staff, unions and external stakeholders.
	No offices have yet been proposed for closure in Wales or any other part of the UK and nor will they be until each Regional Review has been completed.

HMRC: Boat Sector

Robert Key: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of uncanalised yacht and pleasure craft entering UK waters in each of the last five years  (a) nationally and  (b) along the south coast.

John Healey: HM Revenue and Customs do not record of the number of yachts and pleasure craft entering UK waters.

HMRC: Mobile Detection Teams

Robert Key: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total  (a) travel and  (b) subsistence expenditure incurred by HM Revenue and Customs on the deployment of mobile detection teams was in each of the past five years.

John Healey: HM Revenue and Customs reimburse officers for travel costs they incur while undertaking all of their official activities.
	Their records do not allow the reimbursement of travel costs incurred on the deployment of mobile detection teams to be distinguished from those incurred on other official activities.

Household Costs

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his most recent estimate is of the proportion of annual household costs accounted for by  (a) housing costs,  (b) utility costs and  (c) food costs for households in each income decile.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 12 December 2006:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking what the latest estimate is of the proportion of household costs accounted for by  (a) housing costs,  (b) utility costs and  (c) food costs for households in each income decile for the latest year for which information is available. (104945)
	Estimates of expenditure on housing, utilities and food, are based on the Expenditure and Food Survey (EPS), an annual survey of approximately 7,000 households in the UK. Further information on the EPS is available in the annual publication 'Family Spending' which can be found on the National Statistics website
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=361&Pos=1&ColRank=1&Rank=272.
	The table below shows average expenditure on housing, utilities and food expressed as a percentage of total expenditure, for households in each gross income decile for 2004-05. These figures have been taken from Table A8 of Family Spending.
	The main components of expenditure on housing are rent (less housing benefit), mortgage interest payments and council tax. Some types of housing costs are excluded from the definition of total household expenditure. House purchases, including through mortgage capital repayments, and expenditure on major house alterations and improvements are both excluded. These are generally irregular, involve large sums of money, and the purchase of assets which are not consumed, and for these reasons they are not regarded as current expenditure.
	Chapter 2 of 'Family Spending' focuses in particular on housing expenditure and provides fuller information on all housing costs, irrespective of whether they are regarded as current or capital expenditure.
	
		
			  Average household spending on housing, utilities and food as a percentage of total expenditure by gross income decile group 2004-05( 1) 
			Percentage 
			decile group 
			   Lowest 10 per cent.  Second  Third  Fourth  Fifth  Sixth  Seventh  Eighth  Ninth 
			 Lower boundary of group (£ per week) — 132 205 281 375 472 579 709 885 
			 Food and non-alcoholic drinks 16 16 14 12 12 11 10 10 9 
			 Housing costs 15 16 16 19 18 18 18 18 18 
			 Rent(2) 5 5 6 6 4 4 3 2 2 
			 Maintenance and repair of dwelling 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 
			 Household insurance(3) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 
			 Moving house 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 
			 Mortgage interest, Council Tax 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12 12 
			 Utility costs 9 8 6 5 5 4 4 4 3 
			 Water supply and other services 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 
			 Electricity, gas and other fuels 5 5 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 
			 Total expenditure, £ per week (= 100 per cent.) 147 178 249 313 373 436 490 568 665 
		
	
	
		
			  Percentage 
			   Highest 10 per cent.  All households 
			 Lower boundary of group (£ per week) 1,184 — 
			 Food and non-alcoholic drinks 7 10 
			 Housing costs 18 18 
			 Rent(2) 2 3 
			 Maintenance and repair of dwelling 2 2 
			 Household insurance(3) 1 1 
			 Moving house 1 1 
			 Mortgage interest, Council Tax 12 11 
			 Utility costs 3 4 
			 Water supply and other services 1 1 
			 Electricity, gas and other fuels 2 3 
			 Total expenditure, £ per week (= 100 per cent.) 926 434 
			 (1 )Where components do not sum to totals, this is due to rounding. (2) Rent paid on first and second dwellings and after housing benefits and rebates. (3) Includes both structural and contents insurance.  Source:  Family Spending 2004-05, ONS

Iraq

Mark Harper: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 27 November 2006,  Official Report, columns 452-53W, on Iraq, how much each Government Department provided for reconstruction in Iraq in each month since March 2003.

Stephen Timms: The information requested is available on page 225 of the Department for International Development's departmental report.

Iraq

Mark Harper: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the Answer of 27 November 2006,  Official Report, columns 452-3W, on Iraq, from which  (a) sources and  (b) departments the Global Conflict Prevention Pool is funded.

Stephen Timms: The Global Conflict Prevention Pool is a pool of resources jointly owned by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Department for International Development and the Ministry of Defence. Under current arrangements, the Pool is funded as a separate area of spending and does not draw from the individual settlements of those three Departments.

Labour Statistics

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many  (a) men,  (b) women,  (c) young people and  (d) people in Tamworth were unemployed in November 1997; and how many are unemployed according to the most recent figures.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 12 December 2006:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about how many (a) men, (b) women, (c) young people and (d) people in Tamworth were unemployed in November 1997; and how many are unemployed according to the most recent figures. (107010).
	The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles statistics of unemployment for parliamentary constituencies from the annual local area Labour Force Survey (LFS) and the Annual Population Survey (APS) following International Labour Organisation definitions.
	Table 1, attached, shows the number of unemployed people, males, females and young people (aged 16 to 24) resident in the Tamworth constituency for the 12 months ending in February 1998 from the annual local area LFS and for the 12 months ending in March 2006 from the APS. Table 2 shows corresponding unemployment rates.
	These estimates, as with any from sample surveys, are subject to a margin of uncertainty. Changes in the estimates from year to year should be treated with particular caution
	ONS also compiles statistics for local areas of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA). Table 3, attached, shows the number of people, males, females and young persons (aged 18 to 24) resident in the Tamworth constituency, claiming JSA in November 1997 and in October 2006. Table 4 shows these figures expressed as a proportion of the resident population of working age.
	
		
			  Table 1: Number of unemployed persons resident in the Tamworth constituency 
			  Thousand 
			  12 months ending  Total  Male  Female  Persons aged 16 to 24 
			 February 1998 2 1 1 (1)— 
			 March 2006 3 1 1 (1)— 
			 (1) Sample sizes are too small to provide estimates.  Notes: 1. Estimates are subject to sampling variability. 2. Changes in the estimates from year to year should be treated with particular caution.  Sources: Annual local area Labour Force Survey; Annual Population Survey 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Unemployment rates( 1)  for persons resident in the Tamworth constituency 
			  Percentage 
			  12 months ending  Total  Male  Female  Persons aged 16 to 24 
			 February 1998 4.6 2.8 6.9 (2)— 
			 March 2006 5.6 4.5 7.1 (2)— 
			 (1) Unemployed as a percentage of the economically active population. (2) Sample sizes are too small to provide estimates.  Notes: 1. Estimates are subject to sampling variability. 2. Changes in the estimates from year to year should be treated with particular caution.  Sources: Annual local area Labour Force Survey; Annual Population Survey. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 3: Claimants of Jobseeker's Allowance resident in the Tamworth constituency 
			  Month  Total  Male  Female  Persons aged 18 to 24( 1) 
			 November 1997 1,492 1,056 436 435 
			 October 2006 1,232 845 387 405 
			 (1) Computerised claims only. Data rounded to the nearest 5.  Source: Jobcentre Plus administrative data 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 4: Claimants of Jobseeker's Allowance resident in the Tamworth constituency as a proportion of the resident working-age population. 
			  Percentage 
			  Month  Total  Male  Female  Persons aged 18 to 24( 1) 
			 November 1997 2.6 3.5 1.6 (2)n/a 
			 October 2006 2.1 2.8 1.4 (2)n/a 
			 (1) Computerised claims only. Data rounded to the nearest 5. (2 )Not available.  Source: Jobcentre Plus administrative data

Labour Statistics

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many  (a) men,  (b) women and  (c) young people in Eastbourne were unemployed in 1996; and how many are unemployed to date in the most recent year for which figures are available.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 12 December 2006:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how many (a) men, (b) women and (c) young people in Eastbourne were unemployed in 1996; and how many are unemployed to date in the most recent year for which figures are available. (105111)
	The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles statistics of unemployment for parliamentary constituencies from the annual local area Labour Force Survey (LFS) and the Annual Population Survey (APS) following International Labour Organisation definitions.
	Table 1, attached, shows the number of unemployed people, males, females and young people (aged 16 to 24) resident in the Eastbourne constituency for the 12 months ending in February 1997 from the annual local area LFS and for the 12 months ending in March 2006 from the APS. Table 2 shows corresponding unemployment rates.
	These estimates, as with any from sample surveys, are subject to a margin of uncertainty. Changes in the estimates from year to year should be treated with particular caution.
	ONS also compiles statistics for local areas of people claiming jobseeker's allowance (JSA). Table 3, attached, shows the average number of people, males, females and young persons (aged 18 to 24) resident in the Eastbourne constituency, claiming JSA in 1996 and the latest year for which data are available (November 2005 to October 2006). Table 4 shows these figures expressed as a proportion of the resident population of working age.
	
		
			  Table 1: Number of unemployed persons resident in the Eastbourne constituency 
			  Thousand 
			  12 months ending  Total  Males  Females  Persons aged 16 to 24 
			 February 1997 4 3 1 2 
			 March 2006 3 1 3 1 
			  Notes: 1. Estimates are subject to sampling variability.  2. Changes in the estimates from year to year should be treated with particular caution.  Source: Annual local area Labour Force Survey; Annual Population Survey. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Unemployment rates( 1)  for persons resident in the Eastbourne constituency 
			  Percentage 
			  12 months ending  Total  Males  Females  Persons aged 16 to 24 
			 February 1997 9.4 13.1 5.3 23.2 
			 March 2006 6.8 3.5 10.2 11.1 
			 (1) Unemployed as a percentage of the economically active population.  Notes: 1. Estimates are subject to sampling variability. 2. Changes in the estimates from year to year should be treated with particular caution.  Source: Annual local area Labour Force Survey; Annual Population Survey. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 3: Average number of claimants of jobseeker's allowance resident in the Eastbourne constituency 
			  12 months ending  Total  Males  Females  Persons aged 18 to 24( 1) 
			 December 1996 2,706 2,063 643 600 
			 October 2006 1,518 1,119 399 365 
			 (1) Computerised claims only. Dataset rounded to the nearest 5.  Source: Jobcentre Plus administrative data. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 4: Average number of claimants of jobseeker's allowance resident in the Eastbourne constituency as a proportion of the resident working-age population 
			  Percentage 
			  12 months ending  Total  Males  Females  Persons aged 18 to 24( 1) 
			 December 1996 5.1 7.7 2.5 (2)— 
			 October 2006 2.9 4.2 1.5 (2)— 
			 (1) Computerised claims only. Dataset rounded to the nearest 5. (2 )Not available.  Source: Jobcentre Plus administrative data.

Light Aircraft

Robert Key: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many light aircraft landed in the UK from overseas destinations in each of the past five years; and how many of them were intercepted by HM Revenue and Customs  (a) nationally and  (b) in the south region in each year.

John Healey: In the 12 months to 30 November 2006 98,516 light aircraft are recorded as having landed in the UK from overseas destinations. No information for earlier years is available.
	HM Revenue and Customs do not centrally record the challenges they make of light aircraft crew and passengers.

Loan Repayments

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which developing countries are making loan repayments to the UK.

Edward Balls: The UK has been a leading proponent of international efforts to reduce the debt burden of the poorest and most heavily indebted countries to free up resources for poverty reduction. Over the last 10 years, 30 heavily indebted poor countries (HIPCs) have received debt relief worth more than $40 million, and another 10 countries could qualify for debt relief when they meet the criteria. In addition, $38 billion of debt relief has been delivered to 20 countries under the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative.
	Nevertheless, some developing countries are making debt repayments to the UK, as a result of commercial debt being rescheduled through the Paris Club, or of direct loans. The developing countries currently making debt repayments to the UK are: Kenya, Pakistan, Vietnam, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, Egypt, Indonesia, Jamaica, Jordan, Macedonia, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Serbia and Montenegro, Croatia, Gabon, Columbia, Malaysia, Paraguay, Philippines, Turkey and Zimbabwe.
	The UK also receives relatively small loan repayments from developing countries via the World Bank who administer a number of EU-IDA loans on behalf of a number of EC member states, including the UK. The countries making these payments are Bangladesh, Burundi, Central African Republic, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Egypt, the Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Kenya, People's Democratic Republic of Lao, Lesotho, Liberia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Togo, and the Republic of Yemen.
	The UK's policy is to hold in trust, and subsequently reimburse, the EU-IDA loan repayments received since December 2000 from IDA, for HIPCs. When these countries reach Completion Point under HIPC the UK will cancel all remaining debt stock.

Marginal Tax Deduction Rates

Stephen Byers: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in work face marginal tax deduction rates in excess of  (a) 60 per cent.,  (b) 70 per cent.,  (c) 80 per cent. and  (d) 90 per cent.

Edward Balls: The number of families facing marginal deduction rates in excess of 60 per cent. can be found in Table 4.2 of the recently published December 2006 pre-Budget report. This table does not, however, include the effect of the £25,000 disregard in tax credits, which allows income to rise between one year and the next by up to £25,000 before tax credits begin to be withdrawn.
	The number of families facing marginal deduction rates in excess of 70 per cent. has fallen by around half a million as result of the Government's reforms to the tax and benefit system.

Paymaster General

James Duddridge: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what visits  (a) Ministers and  (b) officials from his Department made to (i) Israel and (ii) the Occupied Palestinian Territories in each of the last 12 months; and if he will list the Ministers and officials involved in each case.

John Healey: Since 1999 the Government have published annually a list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing £500 or more during each financial year. The Government have also published each year since 1995-96 the total annual cost of all Ministers' visits overseas. Copies of the lists are available in the Libraries of the House. Information for 2006-07 will be published in July 2007.

Paymaster General

Anne Main: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when  (a) the Paymaster General was last (i) accompanied by him to and (ii) informed of a visit by him to and  (b) the Paymaster General's office last took part in arranging a visit by him to a tax credit (A) contact centre, (B) office and (C) IT development office.

John Healey: Treasury Ministers undertake visits all over the country and are in constant contact with each other on a wide range of issues relating to the Treasury.

Occupied Palestinian Territories

James Duddridge: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions  (a) Ministers and  (b) officials from his Department have had with (i) Ministers and (ii) officials from the Department for International Development regarding development assistance in the Occupied Palestinian Territories; and if he will list the Ministers and officials involved in each case.

Edward Balls: In the course of their official duties, Treasury Ministers and officials meet regularly with their counterparts in other Departments. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government's policy to provide details of all such meetings.

Planning Gain Supplement

Boris Johnson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will assess the merits of exempting higher education institutions from planning gain supplement legislation.

John Healey: The 2006 pre-Budget report announced that the Government would move forward with the implementation of planning gain supplement (PGS), if it continues to be deemed workable and effective. PGS would be levied at a modest rate.
	The application of PGS to major infrastructure projects, to public sector works, to minerals and waste consents and to non-Town and Country Planning Act consents remains under review as part of the development of PGS.

Prisons

Mark Francois: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the announcement by the Home Secretary on 21 July of 8,000 extra prison places, what funds his Department has allocated to the Home Office for provision of those places; and what estimate he has made of the cost of those places.

Stephen Timms: Home Office spending for 2008-11 was announced in Budget 2006. Funding for subsequent years has not yet been determined.
	For the estimated costs of the programme, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary, on 4 September 2006,  Official Report, column 1915W.

Public-Private Forum on Identity Management

Mark Francois: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total cost to date is of the Public/Private Forum on Identity Management.

Stephen Timms: The Public Private Forum on Identity Management has been formed under the Chairmanship of Sir James Crosby to examine how best the public and private sectors can work together on the operation of identity technology and databases, in particular to maximise efficiency and reduce unnecessary duplication. Staff and expenses costs to the Home Office and HM Treasury relating to the Forum total £150,552.85 to date, including initial start up costs.

Purchasing Criteria

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment the Office of Government Commerce has made of the case for applying  (a) specified weighting and  (b) priority listing to purchasing criteria used by (i) Government Departments and (ii) local authorities; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: The EU procurement rules require all public sector purchasers to set out the criteria to be applied to the award of contracts over certain thresholds. Authorities may chose between two award options, 'lowest price' and 'most economically advantageous tender'. UK authorities will normally use the "most economically advantageous tender" option, which allows them to consider, besides price, a range of other value for money criteria such as whole life costs, the quality of the product or service, its fitness for purpose and other issues linked to the subject of the requirement. This can benefit companies, including smaller companies, to be able to provide a tailored, quality product or service.
	Traditionally, the EU procurement rules have required the award criteria to be ranked in descending order of importance, to provide potential suppliers with a view of their significance. However, the updated Public Contracts Regulations, which came into force on 31 January 2006 and implement new EU procurement rules, require authorities to state the actual weightings to be applied to each of the criteria, to provide even greater clarity. Where it is not possible to do this, authorities are still required to list the criteria in descending order of importance.

Single Parents

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many single parents there were in London, broken down by constituency in each quarter from 2000-01 to 2006-07; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: holding answer 7 December 2006
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 12 December 2006:
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your request for numbers of lone parents in London for each quarter from 2000-01 to 2006-07, broken down by constituency. (104978)
	Numbers of lone parents are not readily available by quarter for parliamentary constituencies. The most recent published figures for the number of lone parent families in each parliamentary constituency in London are available from the 2001 Census. These can be found in table CAS 007 on the 2001 Census CD Census Area Statistics for Parliamentary Constituencies, which is available in the House of Commons Library.

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Adam Holloway: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was spent supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through  (a) enterprise investment trusts,  (b) enterprise management incentives,  (c) venture capital trusts,  (d) VAT for small traders,  (e) corporation tax at the 20 per cent. rate and  (f) corporation tax at the zero rate in each region in the fiscal year 2005-06.

John Healey: The estimated costs of total tax reliefs for  (a) enterprise investment scheme (not trust),  (b) enterprise management incentives,  (c) venture capital trusts,  (d) VAT for small traders below the VAT registration threshold,  (e) corporation tax at the 19 (not 20) per cent. rate and  (f) corporation tax at the zero rate in 2005-06 are given in Table 7 of the December 2006 Tax Ready Reckoner and Tax Reliefs, published alongside the Pre-Budget Report 2006:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/53D/FD/pbr06_taxreadyreckoner_234.pdf
	The estimated cost of national insurance contributions associated with enterprise management incentives are published in Table B.1 (minor tax allowances and reliefs) on the HMRC National Statistics website:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/tax_expenditures/bl_apr06.pdf
	The restrictions governing the Enterprise Investment Scheme, the Enterprise Management Incentive and Venture Capital Trusts mean that the costs of tax relief relate predominantly to smaller, high-risk companies, or to individuals investing in such companies. The lower rates of corporation tax apply to companies with profits below certain levels. Estimates of the costs relating specifically to SMEs as defined by employees, turnover or asset size would depend on the precise definition adopted.
	Regional figures for these costs are not available. However national statistics published on the HMRC website include some information on Enterprise Investment Scheme claims by Government Office Region, classified according to the registered address of the company, which may differ from the region where the investment took place:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/ent_invest_scheme/menu.htm

Tax Credits

Anne Main: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what percentage of the employees at the tax credits contact centre at Queen's Dock, Liverpool are employed on a temporary basis through employment agencies.

John Healey: None.

Tax Credits

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families in each ward in Eastbourne constituency are in receipt of  (a) working tax credit and  (b) child tax credit.

Stephen Timms: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester South (Sir Peter Soulsby) on 29 November 2006,  Official Report, column 735W.

Tax Credits

Anne Main: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to reduce overpayments of tax credits.

Stephen Timms: I refer the hon. Lady to the written ministerial statements made by the Paymaster General on 5 December 2005,  Official Report, column 55WS and 6 December 2006,  Official Report, column 15WS.

Tax Credits

Alan Milburn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people are receiving working tax credits in each local authority ward in Darlington; and what the total cost was of these payments in the latest period for which figures are available.

Stephen Timms: I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, South (Sir Peter Soulsby) on 29 November 2006,  Official Report, column 735W.

Timber

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total value was of  (a) income tax relief and  (b) corporation tax relief on income and profits from timber sales in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Balls: The profits from timber businesses have been exempt from both income tax and corporation tax since the 1988 Finance Act and therefore any associated reliefs are entirely unnecessary. For this reason, it is not possible to provide an answer to either part of the question.

Timber

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total value was of capital gains tax exemption on the increase in value of standing timber for each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Balls: Figures for cost of capital gains tax exemption on the increase in value of standing timber are not available.

Woodlands

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total value was of  (a) business property relief on commercial woodlands and  (b) heritage relief on woodlands of outstanding scenic, historic and scientific interest as part of the inheritance tax system in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Balls: The information held by HMRC is not sufficiently detailed to provide an estimate of the value of inheritance tax business property relief and heritage relief associated with woodlands.

Woodlands

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total value was of VAT relief in relation to woodlands in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Balls: HM Revenue and Customs does not collect data on VAT relating to individual goods and services. There are no VAT reliefs which relate specifically to woodlands.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Bolivia

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the likely effect of the general strike in four provincial capitals in Bolivia on  (a) human rights in that country and  (b) regional stability.

Geoff Hoon: We follow events closely in Bolivia through our embassy in La Paz. We are aware of the current tensions between the Bolivian Government and the opposition, which includes some provincial governors. These tensions revolve around the on going dispute over voting mechanisms for the Constituent Assembly, the question of autonomy for the regions, and the recently-passed National Land law. The one-day strikes called in the eastern regions were a part of that dispute.
	We are concerned about the possible implications of the dispute on human rights and regional stability within Bolivia. Together with our EU partners, we are encouraging all parties to work together to resolve the disputes in a peaceful manner.

Burma

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether it is her Department's policy to support discussion on the use of forced labour in Burma at the United Nations Security Council.

Geoff Hoon: It is our policy to support discussion of the situation in Burma, including the use of forced labour in Burma at the UN Security Council. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has been working to eradicate forced labour in Burma for a number of years. At the UN Security Council discussion on 27 November, our Permanent Representative to the United Nations reiterated the UK's support for this work and called for the Burmese Government to co-operate with the ILO on forced labour.

Burma

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions she has had with the International Labour Organisation on forced labour in Burma.

Geoff Hoon: Our ambassadors in Geneva and Rangoon are in regular contact with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on forced labour in Burma. Through them and UK representation on the ILO Governing Body, we support ILO actions aimed at ensuring that Burma complies with its international obligations on forced labour.

Chad

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make a statement on the political situation in Chad.

Ian McCartney: The political situation in Chad continues to be unstable. There have been reports of rebel attacks on Chadian government forces and of spill-over violence from Darfur into Eastern Chad.
	We are urging both the Chadian and Sudanese governments to implement and abide by the terms of the Tripoli Agreement and respect each other's borders. We continue to raise our concerns over the situation in Chad through the EU and the UN.
	UK officials also continue in their contacts with the Chadian government to make the case for engagement with the opposition.

Chinese Executions

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions she has had with the government of China on the abolition of the death penalty.

Geoff Hoon: We continue to lobby the Chinese government to limit, and ultimately abolish, its use of the death penalty. My noble and Learned Friend the Lord Chancellor most recently raised the death penalty with the Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference on 24 October. We also raised this issue at the most recent round of the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue in July, and my right hon. Friend the Minister for Trade voiced his own concerns about the use of the death penalty in China during his visit in July.

Chinese Executions

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of people executed in China in each of the last 10 years.

Geoff Hoon: Statistics on actual use of the death penalty in China remain a state secret, but non-governmental organisations have suggested that figures could currently be as high as 8,000 executions per year. We continue to press the Chinese government to limit, and ultimately abolish, its use of the death penalty, and improve transparency with regard to the number of people executed in China. My noble and Learned Friend the Lord Chancellor raised the death penalty with the Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference on 24 October. We also raised death penalty reform at the last round of the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue in July, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Trade, voiced his own concerns about the use of the death penalty in China during his visit in July.

Colombia

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of Colombian urban crime initiatives in the last decade.

Geoff Hoon: Tackling violent crime, much of it linked to drugs, is one of the biggest challenges facing governments in the Latin American region, including Colombia. According to official statistics, overall crime rates have reduced considerably in many urban areas in Colombia over the last decade, and particularly under the Uribe government which has been in power since 2002. Murder rates in major cities like Bogota and Medellin have fallen significantly as a result of innovative crime reduction strategies, public education programmes, community policing and active citizen participation. Recent further increases in the size of the Colombian police force are evidence of the Colombian government's determination to tackle urban crime, working with local authorities.
	The abundance of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) is a key factor in urban crime in Colombia. Our Embassy in Bogota has ongoing discussions with the Colombian government on SALW and crime-related issues, and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Lord Triesman of Tottenham, discussed the issue with them during his visit to Colombia in September 2006. The UK is currently supporting a regional project in Latin America, specifically Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico, on strengthening community policing programmes, through the British Council.

Conflict Diamonds

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations she has received on the UN review of the Kimberly Process for the reduction in circulation of conflict diamonds.

Geoff Hoon: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has received no representations from participants, observers or interested parties on the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) three-year review.
	The European Commission (EC) co-ordinated an EC-wide response to the questions from the ad-hoc working group compiling the review. For the UK, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Government Diamond Office completed a questionnaire with contributions from other Government Departments. Business and non-governmental organisation observers responded separately.
	The ad-hoc working group presented the final draft of the three-year review to the KPCS plenary in Gaborone in November 2006. The plenary accepted 46 recommendations contained in the final draft. Of the 10 issues on which no consensus was reached, some were incorporated by plenary into full recommendations, and the remainder were adopted as priorities for the KPCS to address in the coming year.
	The UK welcomed these conclusions. They were endorsed at the AU Peace and Security Council meeting on 30 November, which also extended the mandate of the AU Mission in Sudan (AMIS) for six months from 1 January 2007.
	The UK supports the need for troops to be maintained in Darfur in 2007. We are in regular contact with the AU through our post in Addis Ababa on this subject, and we are a leading financial supporter of AMIS, contributing £20 million of assistance this financial year.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the likely effect on regional stability of the emigration of people from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to Uganda; what assessment she has made of the likely impact on the United Nations peacekeeping mission of the conflict between the Congolese army and forces loyal to General Nkunda; and what representations she plans to make to the UN on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ian McCartney: According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Uganda, on 5 December, 12,000 Congolese came across the border into Uganda to escape fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). By 7 December 6,000 of them had already returned. As for previous, similar, incidents, we expect further returns to DRC as soon as the situation stabilises. UNHCR has sent teams to the area to monitor the situation. We will remain in close contact with them.
	UN peacekeeping troops (MONUC) have taken robust action against those forces loyal to General Nkunda who have been launching attacks in eastern DRC. Last week MONUC re-took the town of Sake after it was briefly overrun by Nkunda's troops. Our embassy in Kinshasa is in regular contact with MONUC. Officials in the UK's Mission to the United Nations in New York have regular discussions with the UN's Department of Peacekeeping Operations and within the UN Security Council itself on all aspects of the peacekeeping operation in the DRC.

Departmental Computer Data

David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many attempts to gain unauthorised access to her Department's computer systems have  (a) been detected and  (b) been successful in each of the last five years.

Geoff Hoon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has robust and sophisticated protection against attempts at unauthorised access. We do not record the numerous attempted and thwarted attacks against our network. However, the information in respect of successful attacks is as follows:
	
		
			   Number 
			 2002 0 
			 2003 0 
			 2004 0 
			 2005 1 
			 2006 0 
		
	
	In 2005 the attack on the FCO website resulted in pages being defaced. Since then the security counter-measures have been improved in an attempt to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Departmental Computer Data

David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any of her Department's  (a) computer data and  (b) computer backup data is stored with online data storage providers.

Geoff Hoon: No. All data created by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) are held either on Government systems or, in the case of backup data, in premises under FCO control.

Departmental Computer Data

David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any of her Department's  (a) computer data and  (b) computer back-up data is stored outside the United Kingdom.

Geoff Hoon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) operates computer systems in posts overseas where the UK is represented (a full list of posts is available on the FCO website at www.fco.gov.uk). All data, including back-up data, are stored within, and under the control of, our overseas posts.

Departmental Computer Data

David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any corrupt data have been detected on her Department's computer systems.

Geoff Hoon: Data corruption has been detected on Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) computer systems. Analysis of the circumstances leading to such events indicates two main causes: hardware failure; and software that does not conform with the specified data structure. There are several methods available to the FCO to repair data corruption, with recovery of the data file from tape available as the last resort.

Departmental Energy Policy

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether she plans to make her Department carbon neutral.

Geoff Hoon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is committed to achieving carbon neutrality on our UK estate by 2012 and is taking the following actions:
	We are preparing to implement the Carbon Trust's Carbon Management Programme to help us identify opportunities to reduce our carbon emissions and use of energy;
	in 2006 we upgraded the energy control systems on our UK estate and commenced a programme of replacing inefficient light fittings. As a result of this, and awareness raising among staff, we have achieved a cumulative reduction in electricity consumption so far this financial year on our London estate;
	we monitor our performance against targets for energy and carbon emission reduction, among other environmental issues, through an externally certified Environmental Management System;
	we apply the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, which includes forecast energy consumption, to new builds and major refurbishments;
	the FCO's new IT network, due to start roll out in 2007, will power down workstations automatically out of hours; and
	we are offsetting the carbon dioxide and other emissions generated by the air travel of Ministers, and officials based in the UK.

Departmental Staff

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many  (a) marketing officers,  (b) communications officers and  (c) press officers are employed in her Department; and what the total expenditure on communications for her Department was on (i) Government Information and Communication Service staff and (ii) other (A) press officers, (B) special advisers and (C) staff in the last year for which figures are available.

Geoff Hoon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has 62 communicators in the UK, which include people working in e-media, UK Outreach, Consular and European communication, speech writers and stakeholder outreach. We have the equivalent of 50 webmasters working in the overseas network. There are 35 press officers in London working with domestic, international, foreign and foreign language media and around 300 staff overseas whose duties include press and public affairs. We have seven marketing officers who work for FCO Services and are responsible for developing and implementing FCO Services marketing strategy.
	The FCO operates a devolved budgeting system for each department/post and there are no central records covering the total expenditure on communications.

Ethical Foreign Policy Initiative

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make a statement on the application of her Ethical Foreign Policy initiative in the course of 2006.

Ian McCartney: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Swansea, East (Mrs. James) on 13 July 2006,  Official Report, columns 2001-02W.
	As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made clear at the launch of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office 2006 Annual Human Rights Report in October, the promotion of human rights, good governance and democracy goes to the heart of our foreign policy. A copy of the 2006 report has been placed in the Library of the House.

Ethiopia and Eritrea

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the  (a) observance of human rights and  (b) extra-judicial killings by government agencies in Ethiopia.

Geoff Hoon: The UK and other partners, including the EU, continue to monitor closely the human rights situation in Ethiopia. Where appropriate we raise our concerns with the Ethiopian Government at both ministerial and official level. My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Lord Triesman of Tottenham, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development have raised these issues at the highest level. We do not have any evidence of extra judicial killings by agencies of the Ethiopian Government.
	We continue to urge the Government of Ethiopia to comply with international human rights standards and respect individual human rights and are supporting the capacity building of the recently established Human Rights Commission.

Ethiopia and Eritrea

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what part the UK played in the United Nations Commission to demarcate the borders of Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Geoff Hoon: Under the Algiers Agreement, Ethiopia and Eritrea agreed to binding international arbitration to determine their common border and the Boundary Commission was established for that purpose. It is not a United Nations Commission. The UK was not a Witness to the Algiers Agreement and plays no part in the Boundary Commission. We continue to urge Ethiopia and Eritrea to demarcate the border in accordance with the Boundary Commission's decision.

Fiji

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations she has made to  (a) the United Nations and  (b) Australia regarding the conflict in Fiji; and what assistance the Government are prepared to commit to ensure the continuance of democratic government in Fiji.

Kim Howells: On 28 November, the UN Secretary-General issued a statement expressing his concern over the possibility of a military coup in Fiji. On 29 November, the United Kingdom and the United States raised the situation in Fiji in UN Security Council consultations. The Security Council subsequently issued a statement urging the Fiji military to exercise restraint.
	We are liaising closely with Australian officials in Suva, Canberra and the UK. We have also met with New Zealand officials in Suva, Canberra and the UK to discuss the situation in Fiji.
	On 2 November, my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Trade issued a statement calling for a peaceful end to the dispute. A full copy of the statement can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website at:
	http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarkct/Xcelerate/ShowPagec=Pagecid=1007029391629a=KArticleaid=1161593120968%20year=2006month=2006-11-01date=2006-11-02
	The FCO will continue to monitor the situation in Fiji closely.
	On 27 November, the EU issued a statement expressing concern, which we strongly supported. A full copy of the statement can be found on the FCO website at:
	http://wwv.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPagec=Pagecid=1007029391638a=KArticleaid=l163675899734

Fiji

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports she has received on  (a) the talks between Fijian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and military leaders in Fiji and  (b) the military exercises being carried out in Suva by the Fijian army.

Kim Howells: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has received no official reporting on the meeting between Prime Minister Qarase and Commander Bainimarama on 29 November.
	We are in regular contact with our high commission in Suva regarding the current situation in Fiji and did receive reports on the military exercises which took place in Fiji between 29 November to 1 December.
	On 5 December Commander Bainimarama announced that the military had assumed control of Fiji. Commander Bainimarama has taken on the role of President and appointed a caretaker Prime Minister. The FCO is monitoring the situation in Fiji closely and is continually reviewing the travel advice, which was last updated on 5 December to reflect the most recent developments. Our high commission in Suva remains in close contact with the British community in Fiji.

Fiji

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contribution her Department is making to the restoration of democracy in Fiji.

Geoff Hoon: On 5 December my right. hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary issued a press statement condemning the military coup in Fiji and calling for a return to democracy in Fiji as quickly as possible. A full copy of the statement can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website at:
	http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPagec=Pagecid=1007029391638a=KArticleaid=1163678514483.
	My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Lord Triesman of Tottenham, will attend a meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group in London on Friday 8 December. The meeting will discuss the situation in Fiji and the Commonwealth's response. The Commonwealth Secretary General issued a statement on 5 December on the situation in Fiji, a full copy of which can be found on the Commonwealth Secretariat website at:
	http://www.thecommonwealth.org/press/31555/157459/secretary_general_condemns_the_military_takeover_i.htm.
	Britain is taking steps to suspend bilateral military assistance to Fiji and is considering further measures with EU and Commonwealth partners. The FCO is also liaising closely with the governments of Australia and New Zealand in support of efforts to bring about a restoration of democracy and constitutional government in Fiji.

Gershon Review

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much has been spent by her Department in order to achieve Gershon efficiency savings; whether these costs have been included in reports of headline efficiency savings; and if she will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) spent 43 million on restructuring costs to enable two major efficiency projects. The remaining efficiency projects are being delivered largely using existing resources.
	Sir Peter Gershon's independent report into public sector efficiency recommended that efficiencies be recorded gross of up-front investment costs and the FCO has followed this advice.

Gershon Review

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much efficiency savings have been made in her Department as a result of the Gershon Review; and if she will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Gershon efficiency gains to date will be available in the forthcoming autumn performance report due to be published in December 2006.

Government Communications

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make a statement on the plans of Government Communications to appoint a European Union press co-ordinator in each Government department.

Geoff Hoon: There are no plans to appoint EU press co-ordinators in each Government Department. However, the Government have always been committed to engaging with the UK public to generate greater awareness and a mature debate about EU issues. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Cabinet Office have therefore been working closely with colleagues across Government to improve co-ordination and effectiveness of this work.

Human Rights and Torture

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions she has had with the Government of the United States on  (a) human rights and  (b) torture.

Geoff Hoon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office regularly discusses the broad range of human rights issues, including torture, with counterparts in the United States.

Indonesia

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action she has taken on the imprisonment of  (a) Yusak Pakage and  (b) Filep Karma by Indonesia; and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: The appeal entered by the legal representatives of Pakage and Karma was rejected by the District Court in Jayapura in December 2005. The Supreme Court of Indonesia issued a letter of support for the decision of the District Court in March 2006 and we are not aware of any further legal representations made by either Pakage or Karma.
	We have not raised this case specifically with the Government of Indonesia. However, we continue to urge the Government of Indonesia to uphold the rights guaranteed through the International Conventions on Civil and Political Rights and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights ratified by Indonesia in September 2005.

Middle East

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made towards encouraging Israelis to withdraw from the West Bank.

Kim Howells: Negotiations between the parties are the best way to move this process forward. We have made our concerns clear about Israeli actions in the West Bank, including restrictions on freedom of movement, the routing of the barrier and settlement construction.

Nigeria: Elections

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions she has had with the Government of Nigeria on the arrangements which are in place to ensure that the  (a) forthcoming elections in that country and  (b) voter registration system to be used are fair; and if she will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: holding answer 11 December 2006
	Our high commission and Department for International Development (DFID) staff in Abuja are working closely with the Nigerian Government, including the chair of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Iwu, to press the need for credible non-violent elections in April 2007. At their meeting with Professor Iwu on 7 November 2006, the high commissioner and members of the visiting All Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria, emphasised the need for an effective voter registration system and voter education programmes.
	DFID has established a 7 million elections programme in Nigeria. 4.5 million is being donated to civil society organisations and the INEC, much of it focusing on voter education. 2.5 million is being placed in a joint donor fund to support the INEC in implementing critical elements of the elections process including: voter registration; training and capacity building for ad-hoc INEC staff; and support for civil society work on voter registration, gender monitoring, media monitoring and domestic monitoring.
	Through our high commissioner in Abuja and senior British visitors to Nigeria we take every opportunity to remind the Nigerian Government that we expect the elections scheduled for April 2007 to be held on time and to be freer and fairer than those in 2003.

Official Gifts

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what equipment was gifted to the Palestinian Authority as referred to in Unprinted Command Paper 15 of session 2005-06; what their whereabouts are; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  what equipment was gifted to the Palestinian Central Intervention Force as referred to in Unprinted Command Paper 11 of session 2004-05; what their whereabouts are; and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: The equipment delivered was as set out in the relevant command papers. The equipment continues to be used by the Palestinian Authority Security Forces (PASF). The EU policing support mission to the Palestinian Authority has recently employed a communications specialist to conduct an audit of the communications capacities of the PASF. He will include communications equipment gifted by the UK to the PASF as part of this task.

Overseas Aid

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the effect of the package of aid offered by the United States to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on the likelihood of the DPRK  (a) returning to the Six Party Talks and  (b) dismantling nuclear equipment and technology; and what representations she plans to the to the DPRK to encourage that country to dismantle its weapons technology.

Ian McCartney: Despite media speculation, our understanding is that no detailed proposals have yet been put forward by any party during the general discussions that have taken place between the US, China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Both the US and China continue to work hard to bring the DPRK back to the negotiating table, using the 19 September 2005 joint declaration as the basis for moving forward. Although the date for resumption of the talks is still under negotiation, we remain hopeful that it will be resolved early in the new year. Negotiation through the Six Party Talks remains the most effective way to solve the Korean peninsula nuclear issue. We continue to be fully supportive of this process.

Paraguay: Human Rights

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the report by Manfred Nowak, UN Special Rapporteur on torture, on torture in police custody in Paraguay; what action she is taking  (a) unilaterally and  (b) multilaterally on the (i) prevention and of torture (ii) safeguarding of human rights in Paraguay; and what representations she is making on the compliance of Paraguay's criminal code with Article 1 of the UN Convention against Torture.

Geoff Hoon: The Special Rapporteur has yet to submit his full report, which we will study when it is presented to the Human Rights Council. Our ambassador in Buenos Aires, who is accredited to Paraguay, met the Foreign Minister on 5 December 2006. They discussed the Special Rapporteur's visit, including the preliminary recommendation for the definition of torture to be widened in the Paraguayan Criminal Code so it complied with Article 1 of the UN Convention against Torture. The Foreign Minister told the ambassador that the Government of Paraguay was committed to working with the international community, including the Special Rapporteur, to improve human rights and eradicate torture.
	Multilaterally, the UK works closely with our international partners against torture. This has been a UK priority since the launch of the anti-torture initiative in 1998. The UK is a committed supporter of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). In June 2004, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary launched a world-wide lobbying campaign to encourage other countries to sign and ratify the OPCAT. Paraguay ratified the OPCAT on 2 December 2005. In partnership with the Association for the Prevention of Torture, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has produced manuals and toolkits which have been used in Paraguay to help with the implementation of the OPCAT.

Departmental Staff

Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the effective pay award date is for her Department's staff; and what the actual implementation date was in each of the last five years.

Geoff Hoon: holding answer 11 December 2006
	We pay annual pay awards to staff in both the delegated grades and the senior management structure/senior civil service with effect from 1 April. The dates when we actually completed the calculation and implementation of the awards, some awards were paid earlier, in each of the last five years was as follows:
	
		
			   Delegated grades  Senior management structure 
			 2002 31 October 31 August 
			 2003 30 April 31 July 
			 2004 30 April 31 August 
			 2005 30 November 31 July 
			 2006 31 July 31 August 
		
	
	The implementation date depends each year on the completion of pay settlement negotiations, for the delegated grades, and the receipt of staff performance appraisals (for all).

Public Opinion Research

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much her Department spent on commissioning public opinion research in each of the last five years for which records are available.

Geoff Hoon: In the financial years 2001 to 2005, the most recent years for which figures are available, the total cost of public opinion research conducted by or on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) centrally, was 542,313.
	The following table shows expenditure per annum.
	
		
			   Amount () 
			 2001-02 16,692 
			 2002-03 158,780 
			 2003-04 249,999 
			 2004-05 54,803 
			 2005-06 78,731 
			 Total 542,313 
		
	
	The FCO's overseas posts and its non-departmental public bodies also occasionally commission public opinion research, but details are not recorded centrally. Information about the costs could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Retirement Age

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer from the Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office to the hon. Member for Blackpool, South (Mr. Marsden) of 4 December 2006,  Official Report, columns 189-190W, on the retirement age, what her Department's policy is for the setting of retirement ages for staff below the Senior Civil Service under the Civil Service (Management Functions) Act 1992.

Geoff Hoon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not impose a retirement age on staff below the Senior Management Structure/Senior Civil Service. Subject to the normal rules on performance and attendance, staff are free to choose when they wish to retire.

Russia

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what recent assessment she has made of human rights and political freedom in Russia;
	(2)  what recent discussions she has had with the government of Russia on civil liberties and human rights.

Geoff Hoon: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 18 October 2006,  Official Report, column 1247W.

Secondments

Iain Duncan Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which staff in her Department are seconded from organisations with charitable status which have  (a) costs and  (b) salaries met (i) in part and (ii) in whole (A) from public funds and (B) by the charity from which they are seconded.

Geoff Hoon: We are aware of just one member of staff who is seconded to this Department from an organisation with charitable status. This Department pays the organisation the full costs and salary of the secondment.

Somalia

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent estimate she has made of the amount of arms entering Somalia; what representations she has received regarding the recent activities of terrorists loyal to the Union of Islamic Courts; and what steps she is taking to ensure that the United Nations Security Council arms embargo is upheld.

Ian McCartney: There is no accurate way of estimating the level of arms entering Somalia, however the report of the UN Monitoring Group on Somalia warns of an increasing military build up, exacerbated by violations of the arms embargo. Some of the states alleged to have breached the embargo, including Iran, have denied the allegations. We have regular contacts with representatives of the Somali community and the Transitional Federal institutions, who raise their concerns about the activities of terrorists in Somalia.
	UN Security Council Resolution 1725, unanimously adopted on 6 December, emphasised the continued contribution made to Somalia's peace and security by the arms embargo and demanded that all member states fully comply with it. Together with our Security Council partners we are considering ways to strengthen the arms embargo and improve the effectiveness of its implementation. We have urged all parties inside Somalia and neighbouring states to respect the arms embargo and do nothing which could provoke violence in Somalia.

Somalia

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports she has received of the talks between Ethiopia's Deputy Foreign Minister and Somalia's Union of Islamic Courts; and what assessment she has made of the implications of those talks for  (a) human rights,  (b) peace,  (c) support for the transitional government and  (d) conflict resolution in Somalia.

Ian McCartney: We understand that there have been a number of contacts between the Ethiopian authorities and the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC). We do not know the content of this dialogue. We encourage all attempts at dialogue which could bring a peaceful resolution to the current crisis.
	We note the commitments given by the UIC to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in Djibouti, reported in IGAD's communiqu of 2 December. We hope that the UIC honours these commitments and engages constructively in negotiations with the Transitional Federal government. We believe the implications for human rights, peace, support for the transitional government and conflict resolution in Somalia could be positive.

Sudan

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the clashes between rival factions in Malakal, Upper Nile State in Sudan; and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer my right hon. Friend the Minister for Europe, (Mr. Hoon), gave to the hon. Member for Cotswold (Mr. Clifton-Brown) today (UIN 104832).

Sudan

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the political situation in Sudan.

Ian McCartney: The political situation in Sudan continues to give us cause for concern. The situation in the South of Sudan has been mostly stable since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) in January 2005. However, there has been a lack of progress towards national elections and limited progress on the resolution of issues of contention between north and south. The recent fighting between a militia aligned with the Sudanese armed forces in Malakal and the SPLM, southern Sudan is a cause for grave concern, and represents the most serious violation of the CPA since it was signed.
	Progress in Darfur has been held back by a lack of public support for the Darfur Peace Agreement. Implementation of that Agreement, which was signed in May, has been limited. There is continued fighting in Darfur, especially in the north and most recently in the town of El Fasher.
	The Government of Sudan and the Eastern Front concluded a Peace Agreement on eastern Sudan in Asmara on 14 October. We welcome this and hope that the Agreement will form the basis for lasting peace and security in eastern Sudan. The Agreement is the first step towards reconstruction and development in the region.

Sudan

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports she has received on the recent meeting of the Principal Deputy Special Representative of Sudan, Tay-Brook Zerihoun, and Salim Ahmed Salim, the Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union.

Ian McCartney: During his recent visit to Khartoum, the Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) met with the Acting UN Special Representative for Sudan to take forward implementation of the conclusions of the AU Peace and Security Council meeting in Abuja on 30 November. They agreed to strengthen AU/UN cooperation. In addition, the UN is coordinating its work with the AU through its representatives at the AU Mission in Sudan (AMIS) Headquarters in El Fasher and the AU Secretariat in Addis Ababa. At this stage, these discussions include further implementation of the UN light support package to AMIS, planning for a heavy support package and the political process as set out in the Addis Ababa conclusions of 16 November.

Sudan

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment was made by the Director of the Africa Division in the UN Department for Peacekeeping Operations of the situation on the Sudanese-Chadian border in her briefing to the UN Security Council; and what action she plans to take as a result of her reports.

Ian McCartney: The Africa Director of the UN Department for Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) briefed the Security Council on the situation in Chad, along the Chad-Sudan border and in the Central African Republic, on 5 December. The briefing outlined the deteriorating situation on the ground and preliminary DPKO thinking on what could be done to address it. There was also a discussion about the risk of wider regional conflict.
	The UN DPKO is still considering what recommendations to make for stabilisation forces. We expect them to present these to the Security Council later in December and will take a decision then on how to respond.

Sudan

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 6 December 2006,  Official Report, column 480W, on General Salah Abdallah, which officials discussed Darfur with General Salah Abdallah; and what  (a) topics were raised and  (b) progress was made during those discussions.

Ian McCartney: The Government do not divulge the names of officials involved in meetings. While General Salah Abdallah was here he discussed Darfur with British officials. We continue to monitor the situation in Dafur and remain committed to finding a peaceful resolution to this appalling conflict.

Sudan

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of  (a) the level of fighting and  (b) the deaths from conflict in southern Sudan since the signing of the North South Peace Agreement.

Ian McCartney: The overall level of fighting in the south of Sudan has reduced since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed in January 2005. However, we were gravely concerned by the recent fighting between a militia aligned with the Sudanese armed forces in Malakal and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, southern Sudan, which was the most serious violation of the CPA since it was signed. The CPA makes clear provisions to tackle militia that operate outside the Government's control. But this process is not yet complete. This, coupled with an undisciplined and unstructured Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA, the south's standing army), means the security situation in southern Sudan remains fragile.
	We are not able to provide a definitive figure for the number of deaths from conflict in the south since January 2005 due to the lack of confirmed data from the SPLA, the UN and the Government of southern Sudan. The UN does, however, estimate that approximately 200 people have died following the major spates of violence in mid October and in Malakal last week. Improving security for the people of southern Sudan remains a high priority for our political dialogue and development programme in Sudan.

Sudan

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports she has received of the recent conflict in Malakal, Southern Sudan; what assessment she has made of the effect of that conflict upon the peace agreement; what recent reports she has received on the activities of the Sudan People's Liberation Army; when she expects to receive an assessment of the situation from UNMIS; and what steps she is taking to further the restoration of peace in the Upper Nile state.

Geoff Hoon: On 27 November fighting broke out in Malakal, capital of the Upper Nile province of South Sudan, between the Sudan People' Liberation Army (SPLA) and a militia aligned with the Sudanese armed forces (SAP). The fighting spread to include regular SAP elements. Early indications are of up to 150 killed and perhaps 400 wounded. It is not clear yet what proportion of these were civilian. The United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) brought senior commanders from the two sides together and organised joint patrols through the town; as a result calm was restored by 1 December.
	We utterly condemn the fighting and pay tribute to General Lidder and the staff of UNMIS, without whose prompt action many more might have been killed. We received regular reports from UNMIS as the situation developed.
	This incident has been the most serious ceasefire violation since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in January 2005. It is of the utmost importance that both sides work together to ensure that there are no repetitions of the violence. This will be a major pre-occupation of the Ceasefire Joint Military Commission, which is investigating the incident, and the Ceasefire Political Commission, to which it will report. We have called a meeting of the Security Working Group of the CPA's Assessment and Evaluation Commission, which we chair, to consider how to ensure that violence does not recur. All three of these bodies include representatives of the Government of Sudan, or its armed forces, and the SPLA/Sudan People's Liberation Movement.

Sudan

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions she has had with the African Union on the maintenance of troops in Darfur in 2007.

Kim Howells: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development attended a high-level consultation on Darfur in Addis Ababa on 16 November 2006, jointly chaired by the Secretary-General of the UN and the chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission. This meeting agreed the need for a phased increase in UN support to the peacekeeping force in Darfur that would culminate in a joint AU-UN force.

Uganda

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the prospect of success for the peace talks between the Ugandan Government and the Lords Resistance Army.

Geoff Hoon: I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Trade gave to the hon. Member for Cotswold (Mr. Clifton-Brown) on 6 December 2006,  Official Report, column 485W.

UN Committee Against Torture

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations she has received on the work of the UN Committee Against Torture.

Geoff Hoon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and our overseas Missions pay close attention to the conclusions and recommendations of the UN Committee Against Torture. We look for opportunities to support its work and encourage others to do the same. We are not aware of any representations made to my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on the work of the Committee, but the FCO regularly receives representations on wider issues related to torture.
	International action against torture has been a priority for the Government since the launch of the UK Anti-Torture Initiative in 1998. We continue to work hard with our international partners to eradicate this abhorrent practice. This includes efforts to strengthen UN and other international mechanisms, diplomatic activity such as lobbying, and funding concrete project work.

UN Human Rights Council

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the  (a) effectiveness and  (b) independence of the UN Human Rights Council.

Geoff Hoon: The Government are engaging with international partners around the world to build a strong and effective UN Human Rights Council. Positive steps include adoption by consensus of the draft UN Convention on the right not to be subject to Enforced Disappearance, and constructive debate with more than 40 UN Human Rights Rapporteurs. The Council is also building up its new tools; for example the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, which will submit all states' human rights records to scrutiny. However, we and others have been disappointed by the Council's handling of certain issues, such as its disproportionate and unbalanced focus on some Middle East issues, including through three Special Sessions in four months. The Council will meet in Special Session again on 12 December to discuss the situation in Darfur: this will be a key opportunity to demonstrate its readiness to tackle grave human rights situations wherever they occur.
	As an intergovernmental body comprised of 47 UN member states, the Council is responsible for its own decisions. The Council reports, where necessary, to its parent body, the UN General Assembly.

USA: Casinos

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will place in the Library copies of the agenda and minutes of the meetings between officials from her Department who have met casino operators in the United States in the last two years; and who attended each meeting.

Ian McCartney: No. The minutes of the meetings contain commercially confidential information, which cannot be released.
	Since December 2004, Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials in Los Angeles, including the consul-general, met representatives of two casino operators on three occasions. These meetings are detailed in the reply I gave to the hon. Member today (UIN 102084).

USA: Casinos

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings  (a) Ministers and  (b) officials in her Department have held with casino operators interested in securing licences under the Gambling Act 2005 in the last five years.

Geoff Hoon: I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Trade gave to him on 29 November 2006,  Official Report, column 738W.

Venezuela

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations she has made on the freedom of the press in Venezuela; and whether she has received reports of electoral irregularities during the recent General Election.

Geoff Hoon: We have made no recent representations about the freedom of the press in Venezuela. However, we continue to monitor freedom of expression in several countries in the Latin American region, including Venezuela.
	We supported the EU election observation mission that was in Venezuela for the recent presidential elections at the invitation of the Venezuelan government. The mission has just issued its preliminary report. The report identified no particular irregularities with the result, but did note serious problems with the campaign leading up to the elections themselves.

West Papua

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what her policy is on independence from Indonesia for West Papua; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: The UK respects the territorial integrity of Indonesia and does not support independence for Papua. We support the Government of Indonesia's stated intention to resolve tensions in Papua through dialogue, in a peaceful, just and dignified manner. We believe that meaningful dialogue with the Government of Indonesia cannot take place on the basis of calls for Papuan independence.
	We also encourage the Indonesian Government to proceed with full implementation of the 2001 Special Autonomy Law for Papua, which will lay the groundwork for a sustainable resolution to the issue, and for the long-term stability of the province.

Zimbabwe

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the statement of the Government of Zimbabwe that they have ceased printing money.

Ian McCartney: We note with interest the statements of Zimbabwean officials on fiscal issues, including the recent budget announced by the Minister of Finance. We look forward to the policy statement by the Governor of the Reserve Bank, due in January.
	We also look forward to the outcome of the ongoing Article 4 visit of the International Monetary Fund, which we believe will supply a credible assessment of the activities and intentions of the Government of Zimbabwe.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Advertising

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much his Department spent on purchasing space in  The Guardian newspaper in each of the last five years.

Parmjit Dhanda: Newspaper advertising for the Department is done via the Central Office of Information (COI) and the information provided covers all newspaper advertising. The COI does not hold information specifically on advertising space in  The Guardian newspaper.
	The total spent by the Department on national newspaper advertising, across a number of different campaigns, using different newspapers is:
	
		
			  Financial year  Cost ( million) 
			 2002-03 1.89 
			 2003-04 2.89 
			 2004-05 2.27 
			 2005-06 1.50 
			 2006-07 to date 1.50

Better Regulation Task Force

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what progress has been made with the implementation of the Better Regulation Task Force proposals on child employment.

Parmjit Dhanda: Guidance has been given to local authorities that Directors of Children's Services should have functions relating to child employment as part of their remit, as recommended by the Task Force. The Government have not yet been persuaded that the Task Force's other recommendations would make a significant contribution towards the Every Child Matters agenda. I have written to the chair of the Better Regulation Commission to that effect.

Competition Managers

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  how many people are employed as competition managers; what the  (a) grade and  (b) salary range is of each such post; what the (i) minimum, (ii) median and (iii) maximum salary is in each salary range; and how many competition managers he expects to recruit over the next 12 months;
	(2)  how much is allocated to the employment of competition managers in the 2006-07 financial year; and what the expected budget is for each of the next three tax years.

Parmjit Dhanda: As part of the joint DfES/DCMS national School Sport Strategy, 1,419,000 in 2006-07 and 3,500,000 in 2007-08 has been allocated to fund a network of competition managers. The amount of funding beyond that is dependent on the Comprehensive Spending Review.
	The first wave of 20 competition managers was recruited in 2005. We are currently recruiting 42 additional competition managers. By the end of November, 25 of these competition managers were in post. There will be at least 90 competition managers in place by the end of 2007.
	The recommended salary ranges for senior competition managers and competition managers are 32,000 to 36,000 and 25,000 to 28,000 respectively. The precise amount paid will vary according to the local employment market.

Departmental Staff

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what change there has been in funding for  (a) gender,  (b) disability and  (c) ethnic minority personnel issues in his Department, since 1997.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Department has only been in existence since 2001. We have in place a reasonable adjustment fund to help us to meet our obligations under the DDA. In 2004-05 we spent 162,785.38; in 2005-06 235,172.80; and so far in 2006-07 120,215.68. In addition the human resource equality and diversity team spent 34,622.78 in 2004-05; 59,333.66 in 2005-06; and 57,335.68 so far in 2006-07. The Department changed its accounting system and to provide information prior to 2004 would result in disproportionate costs.

Energy Use

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of the electricity used by his Department was generated from  (a) renewable sources and  (b) on-site micro-generation facilities during the last period for which figures are available.

Parmjit Dhanda: The information is as follows:
	 (a) In the 2004/05 annual Sustainable Development in Government Energy return, DfES HQ buildings reported 7.05 per cent. of electricity used was generated from a renewable source. In the 2005/06 annual Sustainable Development in Government Energy return, DfES HQ buildings reported 9.04 per cent. of electricity used was generated from a renewable source.
	 (b) No electricity used by the Department was generated from on-site micro- generation facilities in DfES HQ buildings.

Foundation Degree Courses

Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many people enrolled on a foundation degree course in each year since its inception; and what the drop-out rate was in each year since its inception.

Bill Rammell: The latest available information is shown in the table.
	
		
			 Total number of students enrolled on foundation degrees in higher education institutions and further education colleges in England 
			   Number of students 
			 2001-02 4,255 
			 2002-03 12,415 
			 2003-04 24,485 
			 2004-05 38,210 
			 2005-06 47,215 
			  Note: Numbers are rounded to the nearest five.  Source: Higher Education Students Early Statistics Survey (HESES) 
		
	
	Data relating specifically to the non-completion rates for foundation degrees are not held centrally.

Further Education Colleges

Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what mechanisms are in place to allocate funding to higher education provision in further education colleges, with particular reference to established set variables in the funding stream; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: Under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has a general responsibility for funding prescribed courses of higher education in further education colleges (FECs). HEFCE provides recurrent teaching funding for this activity at FECs using the same methodology as it uses for funding taught higher education courses at higher education institutions. Responsibility for funding other, non-prescribed courses of HE in FECs generally rests with the Learning and Skills Council.
	From HEFCE, directly funded FECs are eligible for:
	recurrent teaching (including widening participation) grant on the same basis as HEIs;
	capital funding on an equivalent basis to HEIs. This is allocated to directly funded FECs through the HE in FE Development Fund;
	some elements of special funding. This includes, for example, Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETLs); National Teaching Fellowship Scheme; Teaching Quality Enhancement Fund.
	FECs may also attract funding for HE activity from other Government Departments and non-departmental public bodies.

Health School Status

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many  (a) (i) primary and (ii) secondary schools and  (b) colleges in England have achieved health school status.

Parmjit Dhanda: By 6 December 2006 9,392 primary schools and 1,416 secondary schools had become healthy schools. The Choosing Health White Paper (2004) set a target of half of all schools becoming healthy schools by the end of 2006. This target has already been reached.
	Further education colleges are not included in the National Healthy Schools programme.

Higher Education Funding Council

Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures he has taken to correlate the proposed regional structure of the Learning and Skills Council with the regional structure of the Higher Education Funding Council for England; what consultation has taken place on this matter; at what cost; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: In May of this year the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) launched its Higher Education strategyPartnership, Provision, Participation and Progression. A key part of this strategy is to continue to develop partnership working with HEFCE, and to continue to support the higher education sector in achieving the public service agreement target to raise the HE participation rate of 18 to 30-year-olds towards 50 per cent. by 2010.
	The Chairs and Chief Executives of the LSC and HEFCE meet regularly, as do their regional officials, to explore how partnership working can be enhanced across a range of areas and how the regional structures of the two agencies can work more effectively together.
	The LSC announced its regional management structure in January 2004 which allowed it to engage more effectively with regional partners, while reducing bureaucracy. Both the LSC and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) are organised in ways which take account of the nine English regions they serve.
	The LSC's new arrangements are working well. The proposal in the Further Education and Training Bill for LSC Regional Councils will put them on a statutory footing, so that the regional tier has a formal place in the decision making processes of the Council.
	HEFCE is represented on the LSC National Council as an observer and will have been consulted on the plans for Regional Councils as part of that group. The consultation was carried out as part of normal business.

Looked-after Children

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many and what percentage of children are looked after children in each local authority with one or more academies; and how many and what percentage of children at each academy in each such authority are looked after children.

Parmjit Dhanda: holding answer 27 November 2006
	Information on the number of children looked after by each local authority with one or more academies and the rate per 10,000 children is shown in the following table.
	The Department does not currently have complete information on the schools attended by looked-after children and so cannot provide the number and percentage in academies. This information may become available when the statistical collection on children looked after by local authorities is linked to the School Census in 2007.
	
		
			  Children looked after by local authorities where there is a least one academy, at 31 March 2006, England 
			   Number and rates( 1) 
			  Local authorities with at least one academy( 2)  Number of children aged under 18 years( 3)  Number of looked-after children( 4)  Rates per 10,000 children aged under 18 years 
			  England 11,048,200 13,100 12 
			 
			  North East
			 Middlesbrough 32,630 240 74 
			 
			  North West
			 Liverpool 92,830 825 89 
			 Manchester 95,045 1,460 154 
			 Salford 46,930 565 120 
			 
			  Yorkshire and the Humber
			 Bradford 124,850 830 66 
			 Doncaster 65,240 425 65 
			 
			  East Midlands
			 Northamptonshire 151,580 560 37 
			 Nottingham 56,385 415 73 
			 
			  West Midlands
			 Walsall 60,595 455 75 
			 
			  London:
			  Inner London
			 Greenwich 52,045 465 90 
			 Haringey 52,330 525 101 
			 Lambeth 54,850 660 121 
			 Lewisham 55,925 485 86 
			 Southwark 54,580 640 117 
			 
			  Outer London
			 Barnet 73,515 375 51 
			 Bexley 51,220 210 41 
			 Brent 57,750 400 70 
			 Ealing 64,980 455 70 
			 Hackney 49,595 480 97 
			 Hillingdon 57,835 635 109 
			 
			  South East
			 Kent 309,520 1,360 44 
			 
			  South West
			 Bristol, City of 79,300 600 75 
			 (1) To ensure that no individual can be identified from statistical tables, conventions have been used for the rounding and suppression of very small numbers. At national level, numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100 if they exceed 1,000 and to the nearest 10 otherwise. At local authority level, numbers have been rounded to the nearest five, and numbers from 1 to 5 inclusive have been suppressed, being replaced in the published table by a hyphen -.  (2) Based on those academies open at January 2006.  (3) Source: ONS, Population Estimates Unit, Estimated resident population mid 2005 by single year of age.  (4) Figures exclude children looked after under an agreed series of short term placements.

Parliamentary Questions

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  how many parliamentary written questions his Department received in each parliamentary session since 2001; and how many of these questions  (a) were not answered because of disproportionate cost,  (b) were not answered,  (c) received answers referring back to a previous answer (i) asked by the hon. Member and (ii) asked by another hon. Member and  (d) were grouped together for answer;
	(2)  what target his Department has for the maximum acceptable amount of time to answer parliamentary written questions; and what percentage of parliamentary answers met that target in each parliamentary session since 2001.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Department's parliamentary question tracking system is unable to break the data down as requested. The answer could be supplied only at a disproportionate cost.
	This Department aims to ensure that Members receive a substantive response to their named day question on the named day, and endeavours to answer ordinary written questions within a working week of being tabled.

Pupils with Learning Difficulties

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many pupils in mainstream education have a learning difficulty.

Parmjit Dhanda: The available information is shown in the table.
	
		
			  Maintained primary, secondary and special schools( 1) : number and percentage of pupils by type of need( 2)  as at January 2006, England 
			   SEN pupils by their primary type of need( 2,3) 
			   Primary schools( 4)  Secondary schools( 4) 
			   School Action Plus  Statement of SEN  School Action Plus  Statement of SEN 
			  No. % No. %(5) No. %(5) No. %(5) 
			 Specific learning difficulty 31,310 13.4 3,340 5.1 28,340 18.4 13,750 18.6 
			 Total SEN pupils 233,710 100.0 64,860 100.0 153,650 100.0 73,840 100.0 
			 (1) Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools. Excludes general hospital schools. (2 )Pupils at School Action Plus and those pupils with a statement of SEN provided information on their primary need and, if appropriate their secondary need. Information on primary need only is given here. (3 )Excludes dually registered pupils (4 )Includes middle schools as deemed. (5 )Number of pupils by their main need expressed as a percentage of all pupils at School Action Plus or with a statement of SEN.  Note: Totals may not appear to equal the sum of the component parts because numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. 
		
	
	Figures relating to pupils with specific learning difficulties at School Action Plus and those with a statement of SEN are included in the table. There will be other pupils with SpLD at School Action where adjustments to the curriculum are made within school. We do not collect data on pupils at School Action with SpLD.

Pupils: Discipline

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent action he has taken regarding the implementation of advice in circular number 10/98 on the physical restraint of pupils in certain circumstances; and if he will make as statement.

Jim Knight: DfES Circular 10/98 provides schools with practical advice on the use of force to control or restrain pupils. All schools have access to this guidance on the DfES website (at www.dfes.gov.uk/behaviourandattendance). In January we will be reminding every maintained school in England of the importance of taking account of the Department's guidance on this sensitive issue.
	From 1 April 2007 the existing legislation governing use of force by school staff (section 550A of the Education Act 1996) will be replaced by section 93 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006. We will be taking this opportunity to issue enhanced guidance which, among other things, will strengthen advice on issues relating to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many pupils received free fruit in Eastbourne constituency in each year since 1996.

Caroline Flint: I have been asked to reply.
	The school fruit and vegetable scheme (SFVS) did not start in the south east region until late 2004. We break down information by local authorities rather than constituencies. East Sussex commenced the SFVS on 12 October 2004 and there are 15,718 pupils receiving fruit in this authority. This number has remained fairly constant since the scheme began, and will vary each school year depending on intake.

Sex Education

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much funding his Department provided for the running of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender history month in  (a) 2005 and  (b) 2006; and how much it plans to give towards the February 2007 event.

Jim Knight: holding answer 27 November 2006
	The Department provided pump priming support for this event in its first two years, 17,000 in 2005 and 20,000 in 2006, in recognition of the organisers' valuable work in promoting diversity and identifying and combating homophobia in schools. However, the event is now well established and has secured other sources of funding, and we therefore do not plan to provide financial support for it in 2007 or in subsequent years.
	The Department continues to support the aims of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender history month and, in both 2005 and 2006, it held events for its own staff to support the history month as a part of its general activity to deliver its equality and diversity agenda as an employer. Similar activity is planned for 2007.

University Admissions

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students from Stroud constituency  (a) were allocated university courses and  (b) received student loans to attend university courses in each year since 1996-97.

Bill Rammell: Available data for Stroud parliamentary constituency for academic years 1996-97 to 2005-06 are given in the table.
	
		
			  Academic year  Number of students( 1)  Students eligible for an income-contingent loan( 2) 
			 1996-97 2,209 n/a 
			 1997-98 2,246 n/a 
			 1998-99 2,265 n/a 
			 1999-2000 2,293 n/a 
			 2000-01 2,389 n/a 
			 2001-02 2,455 n/a 
			 2002-03 2,464 n/a 
			 2003-04 2,553 n/a 
			 2004-05 2,521 1,885 
			 2005-06(3) n/a 1,860 
			 (1) Figures are for students domiciled in the Stroud parliamentary constituency. They are on a snapshot basis as at 1 December and are rounded to the nearest five. Figures cover total student numbers on full-time and part-time undergraduate courses, excluding students on writing up, sabbatical and dormant modes of study. (2) Figures are for students domiciled in the Stroud parliamentary constituency and numbers have been rounded to the nearest five. (3) Provisional  Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) for student numbers and Student Loans Company (SLC) for students eligible for a loan. 
		
	
	Data specifically on students from Stroud receiving a loan are not available, therefore numbers of applicants eligible for a loan have been provided. Numbers of students in receipt of a loan will be slightly lower than those applicants eligible for a loan.
	Constituency level data on student loans are only available since the introduction of the Student Loans Company's protocol system in 2004-05.
	Figures for student numbers for 2005-06 will be available in January 2007.

Youth Employment

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many and what proportion of  (a) 16 to 18,  (b) 17 and  (c) 18-year-olds are not in education, employment or training in each region.

Phil Hope: The Department's estimate of the number and proportion of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) cannot be disaggregated to regional level. However, we can give an indication of the number and proportion of 16 to 18-year-olds NEET from data provided by Connexions services, and this is given in the following table:
	
		
			  Young people not in education, employment of trainingNovember 2005 
			   Age16 to 18  Age 17  Age18 
			   Number  Percentage  Number  Percentage  Number  Percentage 
			 South East 14,620 5.6 5,964 6.2 4,806 5.1 
			 London 18,011 8.1 6,930 8.5 6,991 8.5 
			 East of England 13,452 7.3 5,209 7.6 5,010 7.7 
			 South West 9,112 5.6 3,495 5.9 3,285 5.6 
			 West Midlands 17,407 9.4 6,531 9.6 6,618 9.9 
			 East Midlands 9,553 6.6 3,656 6.9 3,426 6.6 
			 Yorks and Humber 16,827 9.3 6,598 9.7 6,163 9.5 
			 North West 20,256 8.0 7,739 8.3 7,611 8.3 
			 North East 10,781 11.5 4,009 11.6 4,390 12.7 
		
	
	It should be noted that the NEET figures in the table are calculated on a different basis from that used in the Department's estimates, and therefore do not lead to the same totals.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Absence Management

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of  (a) the major health reasons for short absences from work and  (b) the extent to which gastric complaints cause such absences.

Anne McGuire: The Department for Work and Pensions records the reasons for sickness absence in its workforce using the World Health Organization's sickness definitions, and is able to report on the number, causes and duration of absences. Gastric complaints are recorded under the category Diseases of the Digestive System.
	During the 12 months up to 31 October, 2006, the Department recorded 13,350 spells of short-term absence caused by digestive diseases. This accounted for 7.7 per cent. of all spells of short-term absence. A short-term absence is one that does not exceed seven consecutive working days.

Benefit Payments: Tamworth

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many households in Tamworth constituency are in receipt of council tax benefit; and how many of those recipients are  (a) pensioner and  (b) non-pensioner households.

James Plaskitt: The information is not available below local authority area.

Bonus Payments

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much was paid in bonuses to civil servants in his Department each year since 2001-02; and how many civil servants received bonuses in each year.

Anne McGuire: The answer is in the following table.
	DWP was formed in 2002 and information for performance bonuses is only available for the Department from this date.
	Performance bonus payments are awarded to employees on the basis of their individual performance. They are paid after the completion of the performance year. The expenditure incurred is as follows:
	
		
			  Table 1: Amount paid in performance bonuses to DWP staff since 2002 and the numbers of staff receiving bonuses 
			  Financial year  Total paid ( million)  Number of employees receiving bonus 
			 2002-03 21.17 131,747 
			 2003-04 25.29 106,123 
			 2004-05 38.61 129,855 
			 2005-06 42.82 123,285 
			 2006-07 40.68 116,096 
		
	
	In addition to individual performance bonus payments, DWP also paid team bonuses to selected units within the Department. The expenditure incurred is as follows:
	
		
			  Amount paid in team bonuses to DWP staff since 2002 and the numbers of staff receiving bonuses 
			   Total paid ( million)  Total number receiving bonus 
			 2002-03 7.8 14,000 
			 2003-04 29.4 40,000 
			 2004-05 3.3 11,250 
			 2005-06 (1) (1) 
			 2006-07 (1) (1) 
			 (1) Not applicable. Notes: 1. The information in Table 1 is based on the numbers of staff recorded on the DWP payroll systems as having received a qualifying performance mark. These are a headcount.  2. The performance bonus is paid in the financial year following the performance year of 1 April to 31 March.  3. Some individuals may have received more than one type of bonus payment in any given year, which is why the information has been presented separately, and not as an aggregated total.  4. The numbers of employees receiving a team bonus are approximations. No team bonus schemes have run since 2004-05. 
		
	
	Individuals may also be entitled to special bonus payments. The cost in a typical year for these bonuses is around 3 million with payments made to approximately 17,000 individuals (based on 2005-06 payments).

Child Poverty

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent assessment he has made of the level of child poverty in Great Britain.

Jim Murphy: In 2004-05 (the latest data available), 2.4 million children were living in relative poverty in Great Britain (before housing costs). This represents a fall of 700,000 since 1997.
	As a result of our reforms to the tax and benefit system since 1997, by October 2006, in real terms, families with children will be on average 1,500 a year better off, while those in the poorest fifth will be on average 3,400 a year better off.

Child Support Agency

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many changes of circumstances have been reported by non-resident parents on the  (a) old and  (b) new Child Support Agency scheme claims in Scotland in each month of the last three years.

James Plaskitt: The information requested is not available.

Child Support Agency

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the compliance rate for the self-employed in Scottish claims with the Child Support Agency.

James Plaskitt: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Stephen Geraghty:
	In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the compliance rate for the self-employed in Scottish claims with the Child Support Agency.
	In September 2006, the case compliance rate for collection service cases in which the non-resident parent was classified as self-employed and living in Scotland was 52%. A case is defined as case compliant if it was open at the end of the reporting period, and had paid all or part of any maintenance that was due (either regular or arrears) via the collection service over the preceding quarter.
	These figures for self-employed persons reflect the status of the non-resident parent currently held on the system as at the last intervention by the Agency. This will not necessarily reflect the current status of the non-resident parent if the Agency has not been informed of, or has not yet actioned, a change of circumstances. It should also be noted that due to small sample sizes there could be some variation in the figures for cases operating on the old computer system.
	I hope you find this answer helpful.

Child Support Agency

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what liaison he authorises the Child Support Agency to have with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority to ascertain whether heavy goods vehicle drivers have current licences and thereby investigate their current employment status.

James Plaskitt: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Stephen Geraghty:
	In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what liaison he authorises the Child Support Agency to have with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority to ascertain whether heavy goods vehicle drivers have current licences and thereby investigate their current employment status.
	Section 14 of the Child Support Act 1991 provides the power for the Secretary of State to require specified person to provide information. The associated Regulation specify persons employed by the Crown under the Road Traffic and Vehicle Excise and Regulation Acts as having a duty to provide information to allow us to trace Non Resident Parents.
	The Agency currently has a Service Level Agreement with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority to provide information to aid the tracing of Non Resident Parents. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency database holds information on all vehicles registered within the United Kingdom including heavy goods vehicles.
	The Agency provides the vehicle registration details and the name of the Non Resident Parent they wish to trace, to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. They in turn check their records and where possible, match the information with any identical entries held, and report data to the Child Support Agency.
	We can then use this information in checking the current employment status of Non Resident Parents, and to approach employers in support of a maintenance calculation.
	I hope you find this response helpful.

Departmental Staff

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many  (a) marketing officers,  (b) communications officers and  (c) press officers are employed in his Department; and what the total expenditure on communications for his Department was on (i) Government Information and Communication Service staff and (ii) other (A) press officers, (B) special advisers and (C) staff in the last year for which figures are available.

Anne McGuire: There are currently 45 press officers and 154 marketing officers employed by my Department and its four main delivery businesses.
	During 2005-06, the last full year for which figures are available, the Department spent 9.7 million on external communications. It is not possible to break down expenditure costs by the types of communication staff requested.

Disability Living Allowance

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the cost of extending the higher rate mobility component of the disability living allowance to blind people.

Anne McGuire: The estimated cost of extending automatic entitlement to the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance to blind people would be about 61 million a year at current benefit rates(1).
	(1) Estimate based on the number of disability living allowance recipients as at May 2006 whose main disabling condition is recorded as blindness.
	 Source:
	Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study.

Financial Assistance Scheme

Gisela Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the cost to public funds is expected to be of providing the extended Financial Assistance Scheme over 50 years.

James Purnell: We estimate that the total cost of providing the extended Financial Assistance Scheme will be 2.3 billion in cash terms (783 million in net present value terms). These costs are likely to be incurred over 50-60 years. Costs in the last 10 years are likely to be small.

Housing Benefit

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the amount of unclaimed housing benefit in each local authority in the latest period for which an estimate is available.

James Plaskitt: The information is not available because estimates of unclaimed housing benefit cannot be reliably produced below Great Britain level.

Housing Benefit

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions who sets the rent limit for the purposes of housing benefit; how it is calculated; who it applies to; and what relationship it has to council house rents.

James Plaskitt: Many tenants relying on housing benefit have no restriction placed on their rent and eligible charges as their rents are either regulated, or in some other way controlled, so as to be lower than the market rent. These include the rent levels of local authorities, registered social landlords and certain other prescribed tenancies.
	However, as there are no such controls on rent levels within the private rented sector, claims from private tenants will generally be referred to the local rent officer for a rental valuation to determine the benefit claim. Any subsequent restriction reflects a reasonable rent for suitable accommodation of the appropriate size within the locality.
	The rent officer either determines a reasonable rent for the property, by comparison with suitably sized properties in the vicinity or neighbourhood, or determines a local reference rent, which is based on the midpoint between the highest rent which is not exceptionally high and the lowest rent which is not exceptionally low for properties of a similar size in the same locality.
	There is no relationship between the rent officer's determinations and council house rents.

Internal Guidance Documents

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which internal guidance documents are used in his Department.

Anne McGuire: The information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Pensions

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the percentage of employers who offer a final salary pension to new employees.

James Purnell: It is estimated that in 2005, 1 per cent. of private sector employers had an open occupational defined benefit scheme. In general, larger employers are more likely to have an open occupational scheme than smaller employers, and 8 per cent. of the private sector work force were active members of open occupational defined benefit schemes in 2005.

Social Fund

John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the five most common reasons were for loans from the Social Fund being refused in each of the last 10 years.

James Plaskitt: The available information is as follows:
	 Five most common reasons for initial refusal of budgeting loans (original scheme) in order
	 1996-97, 1997-98
	Not on a qualifying benefit for 26 weeks (although in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
	Insufficient priority
	Not in receipt of a qualifying benefit
	Budgeting loan refused, but community care grant awarded
	Repeat application
	 1998-99
	Not on a qualifying benefit for 26 weeks (although in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
	Not in receipt of a qualifying benefit
	Insufficient priority
	Budgeting loan refused, but community care grant awarded
	Repeat application
	 Note:
	An application may be refused for more than one reason. There is a hierarchy of refusal reasons for budgeting loans and another for crisis loans. On each application, the first refusal reason in the relevant hierarchy is recorded as the primary refusal reason. The list above is based on primary refusal reasons.
	 Source:
	Secretary of State's annual reports on the Social Fund.
	 Five most common reasons for initial refusal of budgeting loans (simplified scheme) in order
	 1999-2000, 2001-02
	Existing budgeting loan debt too high (although existing debt, for budgeting and crisis loans combined, below limit)
	Not on a qualifying benefit for 26 weeks (although in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
	Not in receipt of a qualifying benefit
	Excluded item(s)
	Existing debt, for budgeting and crisis loans combined, at or above limit
	 2000-01
	Existing budgeting loan debt too high (although existing debt, for budgeting and crisis loans combined, below limit)
	Not on a qualifying benefit for 26 weeks (although in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
	Not in receipt of a qualifying benefit
	Fourth and fifth reasons not available
	 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06
	Existing budgeting loan debt too high (although existing debt, for budgeting and crisis loans combined, below limit)
	Not on a qualifying benefit for 26 weeks (although in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
	Not in receipt of a qualifying benefit
	Existing debt, for budgeting and crisis loans combined, at or above limit
	Excluded item(s)
	 Source:
	DWP Social Fund Policy, Budget and Management Information System (PBMIS). (PBMIS data are not available for 2000-01, so the Secretary of State's annual report on the Social Fund has been used instead.)
	 Five most common reasons for initial refusal of crisis loans in order
	 1996-97
	No serious risk to health or safety
	Remaining reasons not available
	 1997-98
	No serious risk to health or safety
	Repeat application
	Inability to repay
	Existing debt, for budgeting and crisis loans combined, too high
	JSA sanction or disallowance
	 1998-99
	No serious risk to health or safety
	Repeat application
	Inability to repay
	Existing debt, for budgeting and crisis loans combined, too high
	Excluded item(s)
	 1999-2000, 2002-03, 2003-04
	No serious risk to health or safety
	Repeat application
	Excluded item(s)
	Existing debt, for budgeting and crisis loans combined, too high
	JSA sanction or disallowance
	 2000-01, 2001-02
	No serious risk to health or safety
	Repeat application
	Excluded item(s)
	JSA sanction or disallowance
	Existing debt, for budgeting and crisis loans combined, too high
	 2004-05, 2005-06
	No serious risk to health or safety
	Repeat application
	Excluded item(s)
	Existing debt, for budgeting and crisis loans combined, too high
	Applicant excluded by direction
	 Source:
	PBMIS. (PBMIS data are not available for 1996-97, so the Secretary of State's annual report on the Social Fund has been used instead.)

Social Security Benefits: West Chelmsford

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many households in West Chelmsford constituency were in receipt of  (a) housing benefit and  (b) council tax benefit in each year since 1996; and how many of the recipients were (i) pensioners and (ii) non-pensioner households.

James Plaskitt: The information is not available, as these figures are not produced below local authority area.

Social Security Benefits: West Chelmsford

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in West Chelmsford constituency were in receipt of incapacity benefit in each year since 1996.

Anne McGuire: The information is in the following table.
	
		
			  Incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance claimants in the West Chelmsford constituency 
			   Number 
			  May  
			 1996 2,200 
			 1997 2,400 
			 1998 2,100 
			 1999 2,000 
			 2000 2,040 
			 2001 2,120 
			 2002 2,240 
			 2003 2,260 
			 2004 2,360 
			 2005 2,470 
			 2006 2,430 
			  Notes: 1. The parliamentary constituency figures for the years 1996 to 1999 have been produced using the 5 per cent. data and have been rated up proportionally using the Great Britain WPLS 100 per cent. IB/SDA totals. 2. From 1996 to 1999, figures are rounded to the nearest hundred. From 2000 onwards figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 3. Claimant figures include all IB and SDA (including IB credits only cases).  Source: DWP Information Directorate, 5 per cent. Samples from 1996 to 1999 and Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100 per cent. data thereafter.

State Retirement Pensions: Overseas Residence

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people overseas receive the state retirement pension; and of those how many receive  (a) 100 per cent.,  (b) up to 20 per cent.,  (c) 21 to 40 per cent.,  (d) 41 to 60 per cent.,  (e) 61 to 80 per cent. and  (f) over 80 per cent. of the UK entitlement.

James Purnell: Information that is available is in the following table:
	The total number of overseas customers in receipt of state pension in September 2006 was 1,075,860.
	
		
			  Entitlement (as a percentage) to the basic state pension  Number of customers as at September 2006 
			 100% 184,187 
			 80% to 99% 105,489 
			 60% to 79% 137,835 
			 40% to 59% 221,958 
			 25% to 39% 289,743 
			 Below 25% 136,648

Winter Fuel Payments

Stephen Byers: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will bring forward proposals to start the payment of the 100 winter fuel allowance on an individual's 80th birthday.

James Purnell: People aged 80 or over in the winter fuel payment qualifying weekthe third full week in Septemberqualify for the extra 100 in their winter fuel payment. We use this date in order to establish entitlement and make payments before Christmas in time for the winter bills. We have no plans to change these arrangements.

Winter Fuel Payments

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the cost of extending the eligibility for winter fuel payments received by those over 60 to  (a) those in receipt of the higher or middle rate of disability living allowance care component,  (b) those in receipt of the support component of the employment and support allowance and  (c) those receiving the severe disability premium or enhanced disability premium.

James Purnell: The estimated annual cost of extending the eligibility to winter fuel payments to people aged under 60 in receipt of the higher or middle rate care component of disability living allowance is 210 million. To extend the payments to people aged under 60 in receipt of the severe disability premium or the enhanced disability premium the estimated cost is 70 million. We cannot give an estimate for extending the payments to those who will receive the support component of ESA when it is introduced in 2008 as we are still developing the eligibility criteria and cannot currently estimate the number of people likely to receive this component.
	 Notes:
	1. Figures rounded to the nearest ten million.
	2. Figures are for 2006-07.
	3. Costs have been calculated using the DWP Budget 2006 forecast.

Workers' Compensation

Jon Cruddas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much has been paid by the Government to claimants under the Pneumoconiosis Etc. (Workers' Compensation) Act 1979  (a) in the UK,  (b) in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and  (c) in Dagenham constituency; and what proportion of these payments was clawed back from insurers by the Government.

Jim Murphy: A total of 173,654,332 has been paid to date under the Pneumoconiosis Etc. (Worker's Compensation) Act 1979. Information is not available below national level. No recovery (claw back) is made from insurers in respect of payments made under this Act.

HEALTH

A and E Departments

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of accident and emergency patients in England had a trolley wait of over four hours in the last period for which figures are available.

Rosie Winterton: Information on the percentage of patients not placed in a bed in a ward within four hours of a decision to admit, commonly referred to as a 'trolley wait', is reported by national health service trusts quarterly. During the period July to September 2006 there were 4,892,547 attendances at all types of accident and emergency department, of which 752,049 were subsequently admitted.
	Of those admitted patients, it was reported that 1.4 per cent. were not placed in a bed in a ward within four hours of a decision to admit being made.

Adhesive Arachnoiditis

Joan Humble: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will include adhesive arachnoiditis on the NHS list and codification of medical conditions.

Caroline Flint: National health service (NHS) standards for the coding of medical conditions include terminologies, for example the read codes and SNOMED clinical terms which support point of care recording in an electronic health record, and statistical classifications which support business requirements and epidemiology. The former consequently often provide more specific differentiation than the latter.
	Within SNOMED clinical terms, in respect of whose establishment as an international classification the NHS in England has led the world, adhesive arachnoiditis can be distinctly represented, and all versions of the read codes support a representation of arachnoiditis.
	With regard to classifications, the mandatory recording and reporting of diagnostic information for an episode of admitted patient care in the NHS in England is determined by the World Health Organisation's International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health ProblemsTenth Revision (ICD-10). Adhesive arachnoiditis is accommodated within ICD-10 classification codes, but there is no mechanism for distinguishing adhesive arachnoiditis from other forms of arachnoiditis.

Adverse Drug Reactions

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of in-patients' hospital stays were prolonged by adverse drug reactions in the last 12 months; what her latest estimate is of the proportion of hospital admissions due to adverse drug reactions; and if she will make a statement.

Andy Burnham: The Department does not centrally hold information about the proportion of in-patients who had their hospital stay prolonged by adverse drug reactions. During 2004-05, there were 68,389 finished consultant episodes (FCE) where adverse drug reactions were identified as a secondary diagnosis in hospitals in England.
	A finished consultant episode (FCE) is defined as a period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. These figures do not represent the number of patients, as an individual may have more than one episode of care within the year. The secondary diagnosis shows diagnoses relevant to the episode of case but will not have been recorded as the main reason for admission. It is also not possible to say whether the drugs were prescribed and administered in hospital or in primary care.

Agency Staff

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent on temporary  (a) medical and  (b) non-medical agency staff in each trust area within the East of England Strategic Health Authority area in the last period for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: Information is not available in the format requested.

Alcohol Misuse

Susan Kramer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what auditing procedures are in place to monitor spending on treatment for alcohol misuse by individual primary care trusts.

Caroline Flint: The Department, guided by the National Audit Office, is currently developing a framework to enable a regular assessment of the level of spend locally on alcohol interventions and treatment. Expenditure on alcohol treatment is subject to the same audit requirements as all other national health service expenditure.

Alzheimer's Disease

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will publish the economic model used by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in its most recent appraisal of drugs for Alzheimer's disease.

Andy Burnham: The economic model used by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the development of its appraisal of drugs for Alzheimer's disease was produced for NICE by the university of Southampton. The economic model is protected by intellectual property rights and contains commercial-in-confidence information. The university is protected by the terms of the contract by which it undertakes this work.

Asylum Seekers

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what medical checks are made on asylum applicants to the UK.

Caroline Flint: Asylum seekers can receive medical checks in the normal way when they register with GP practices. In England, Department funded health assessments including TB screening can also generally be accessed where initial accommodation for asylum seekers is located. Immigration officers should also refer any entrant claiming asylum at a point of entry to the United Kingdom for a medical examination under the Immigration Act. Asylum claims are determined in accordance with the 1951 UN Convention on the Status of Refugees and its Protocol. They are not based on the applicant's state of health.

Biologics

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total cost has been of biologics by acute trusts within  (a) Manchester,  (b) Greater Manchester,  (c) the North West region and  (d) England since it was made available; and how many prescriptions for biologics were dispensed in each area.

Andy Burnham: The information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Bowel Cancer Screening

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average cost was of establishing a National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme hub; and what the annual running costs of each hub were in each year since their introduction.

Rosie Winterton: The average cost of setting up a programme hub is 250,000. When fully operational, each hub will serve a population of around 10 million people. Each test costs 48p per head of primary care trust population, so the average annual running costs of each hub will be 4.8 million.
	Within the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, five programme hubs across England will invite men and women to participate in screening, send out the faecal occult blood (FOB) testing kits, analyse the returned kits and send results out. 90 to 100 local screening centres will provide endoscopy services for the 2 per cent. of men and women who have a positive FOB test result.
	The five hubs have been confirmed as Rugby (West Midlands and the North Westbegan operations in July 2006), Guildford (Southernbegan operations in September 2006), St. Marks (Londonbegan operations in October 2006), Gateshead (North East) and Nottingham (Eastern). All five hubs will be operational by March 2007.

Cancer Treatment

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the number of lives which have been saved as a result of new cancer treatments made available in the last five years; and what information she uses to determine such an estimate.

Rosie Winterton: We have not estimated the number of lives saved as a result of new cancer treatments.
	However, we have estimated that between 1996 and 2004, cancer mortality in people under 75 fell by nearly 16 per cent. which equates to over 50,000 lives saved over this period.
	'Lives Saved' is an assessment of the cumulative effect of year-on-year reductions to the numbers of deaths in a specific age group and from a specific cause of death. It is not the measurement of the effect of a particular course or courses of treatment on mortality rates.
	For information on how the 'Lives Saved' figure is calculated, I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave the hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr. Lansley) on 27 November 2006,  Official Report, columns 439-440W.

Cancer Treatment

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much her Department spent on cancer care in each of the last five years; and how many new consultant posts in cancer care have been created in this period.

Rosie Winterton: We do not hold information centrally on levels of funding spent on cancer care for each of the last five years, however we do have information for the three years to 2005-06. 3.4 billion was spent on cancer care in 2003-04 and this increased by 12 per cent. each year to 3.8 billion in 2004-05 and 4.3 billion in 2005-06.
	Over the last five years the number of consultant posts in cancer care increased by 30 per cent. from 3,528 to 4,593 (an increase of 1,065).
	
		
			  Hospital and community health services (HCHS): All consultants within the six main cancer specialties by specialty and year, at 30 September each year, England 
			  Number (headcount) 
			Of which: 
			   All six main cancer specialities  Clinical oncology  Clinical radiology  Haematology  Histopathology  Medical oncology  Palliative medicine 
			 2000 3,528 307 1,585 527 865 133 111 
			 2001 3,721 333 1,645 556 915 147 125 
			 2002 3,913 315 1,702 588 968 185 155 
			 2003 4,169 347 1,810 609 1,021 202 180 
			 2004 4,381 392 1,876 637 1,083 201 192 
			 2005 4,593 438 2,014 648 1,094 215 184 
			  Source: The Information Centre for health and social care medical and dental workforce census.

Choosing Health

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many champions for health have been recruited under the Choosing Health agenda; and at what cost.

Caroline Flint: The Department has not recruited any health champions.

Community Hospitals

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she expects the terms under which funds will be allocated to support the community hospital programme to be determined; and if she will make a statement.

Andy Burnham: holding answer 11 December 2006
	The terms under which funds will be allocated from the community hospitals fund were set out in Our Health Our care Our say: Investing in Community Hospitals and Services. Our intention is to announce a decision on the first round of proposals in the near future.

Consultants

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff are employed as consultants by  (a) her Department and  (b) NHS trusts; and what the cost was of employing such consultants in the last year for which figures are available.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 7 December 2006
	The Department does not collect information that would identify the numbers of consultants engaged for the years requested. Contracts do not usually specify the precise numbers of consultants and the numbers can vary during a contract.
	The Department spent 6 million on external consultancy services, where in-house resources were not available, for the financial year 2005-06.
	The Department does not collect information on the number or costs of external consultants employed by national health service trusts. While primary care trusts and NHS trusts operate within the financial framework set by the Department, they are accountable to strategic health authorities for their financial performance, not the Department, and publish their own set of annual financial accounts.

Contaminated Blood Products

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the evidential basis was for the establishment of 29 August 2003 as the earliest point of death which would entitle relatives and dependants of those infected by NHS contaminated blood products to claim from the Skipton Fund.

Caroline Flint: The announcement to set up a payment scheme for patients infected with hepatitis C though national health service contaminated blood and blood products was made on 29 August 2003. The principle behind the scheme is to target available resources to help alleviate the suffering of people living with the virus, therefore at that time 29 August 2003 became the unavoidable cut off date.
	In January this year, Ministers agreed to extend the period when claims can be made to the Skipton Fund on behalf of deceased patients by relatives or dependants. Therefore the relatives or dependants of a person infected with hepatitis C through NHS blood and blood products who died after 5 July 2004, which is when the scheme became operational, will also be eligible to make a claim.

Counselling (Non-medical Staff)

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many qualified non-medical psychotherapy and counselling practitioners are employed by the NHS in England.

Rosie Winterton: The last non-medical workforce census showed there were 1,087 qualified psychotherapy staff employed in the national health service in England as at 30 September 2005.
	The workforce census does not separately identify the number of counselling practitioners.

Departmental Staff

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many full-time equivalent personnel were employed by her Department in each year since 1997.

Ivan Lewis: The full-time equivalent numbers of staff employed by the Department in each year since 1997, which have been taken from the Department's annual reports for the years 2002 to 2006, are as follows:
	
		
			  As at 31 March each year  Number 
			 1997 4,486 
			 1998 4,247 
			 1999 3,611 
			 2000 3,753 
			 2001 3,632 
			 2002 3,809 
			 2003 3,390 
			 2004 2,964 
			 2005 2,189 
			 2006 2,364

Food Labelling

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps her Department is taking to tackle deceptive food labelling.

Caroline Flint: Food labelling legislation prohibits false or misleading labelling. In the United Kingdom, these requirements are enforced by local authorities.
	The Food Standards Agency has an active research programme on new methods to verify the description of food. The agency also carries out surveys, in close cooperation with local authorities, to check the accuracy of certain aspects of labelling, and works with local authorities to follow up any problems encountered.

Food Standards Agency

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the Food Standards Agency recognises the International GCSE as an acceptable substitute for a GCSE for the purposes of recruitment.

Caroline Flint: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) would recognise the International GCSE as an acceptable qualification for the purposes of recruitment.
	When recruiting employees from outside the civil service the FSA adopts the framework laid down by the Civil Service Order in Council 1995. This sets out the principle of fair and open competition and selection on merit. We make clear in the relevant job description the qualifications, skills, experiences and personal qualities needed. All applications are then considered against the criteria.

Fostering and Adoption Agencies

Edward Leigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which approved fostering and adoption agencies have a religious ethos; and how many placements were made by each such agency in each of the last five years.

Parmjit Dhanda: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	While the Government are aware that some registered independent fostering agencies and adoption societies are faith based, information about religious affiliation is not collected by the registration body, the Commission for Social Care Inspection.
	Children are placed for adoption by local authorities. Information about the identity of the adoption agency which approved the prospective adoptive parents of such children is not collected.
	Looked after children may be placed with foster carers, whose approval will have been undertaken either by local authorities or independent fostering agencies. We do not collect information about the number of fostering placements made through individual agencies.
	The following table sets out the number of looked after children who were placed for adoption or with foster carers at 31 March between 2002 and 2006:
	
		
			  As at 31 March  Placed for adoption  Placed with foster carers 
			 2002 3,600 39,200 
			 2003 3,400 41,100 
			 2004 3,600 41,200 
			 2005 3,400 41,300 
			 2006 2,900 42,000 
			  Source:  Children Looked After in England (including Adoptions and Care Leavers), 2005-06 Table 1: Statistical First Release (Department for Education and skills).

Fostering and Adoption Agencies

Edward Leigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions she has had on the possible impact of the Sexual Orientation Regulations on fostering and adoption agencies with a religious ethos which refuse to place children for adoption with homosexual couples.

Parmjit Dhanda: I have been asked to reply.
	Departmental officials have attended a number of meetings at which this issue was discussed. In addition, I spoke at the All Party Parliamentary Group on Adoption and Fostering on 1 November 2006, where the issue of the proposed Sexual Orientation Regulations was raised by the group.

General Practitioners

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what her latest estimate is of the cost of a general practitioner consultation.

Caroline Flint: Information on the latest (2004-05) cost of a general practitioner consultation is available on the University of Kent website at:
	www.pssru.ac.uk/uc/uc2005contents.htm

Health Care Professionals: Recruitment

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many agencies are registered on the NHS employers list; and which have signed up to the Code of Practice for the International Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals.

Rosie Winterton: NHS Employers report that there are currently 317 commercial recruitment agencies registered as compliant with the Code of Practice for the International Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals.

Health Care Professionals: Recruitment

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what proportion of nurses employed in the NHS  (a) trained in and  (b) were the nationals of developing countries before coming to the UK in each of the last five years.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Health Care Professionals: Recruitment

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment she has made of the effect of the Code of Practice for International Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals on the capacity of health systems of developing countries.

Rosie Winterton: The Code of Practice for the International Recruitment of International Healthcare Professionals includes a list of countries from which there should be no active recruitment. An indication of the effectiveness of the Code of Practice can be seen in data published by the Nursing and Midwifery Council which show that in 2004-05 there was a decrease in the number of new registrants who trained in sub-Saharan Africa. This has continued in 2005-06.
	Lord Crisp is undertaking a review for the Prime Minister, the Department of Health and the Department for International Development on how the United Kingdom's experience and expertise in delivering health services can be used to support the health systems of developing countries.

Health Care Professionals: Recruitment

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how the announcement made by the Home Office on restrictions on migrant nurses to the UK will affect the  (a) operation and  (b) monitoring of the Code of Practice for International Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals.

Rosie Winterton: The removal of nursing posts at agenda for change bands 5 or 6 from the Home Office's shortage occupation list will have no effect on the operation or monitoring of the Code of Practice.

Health Direct

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been allocated to Health Direct in each year since 2003-04.

Caroline Flint: There was no allocation in 2003-04 as implementation from the Choosing Health White Paper only formally commenced in January 2005.
	In the year 2005-06, 0.54 million was allocated to the NHS Health Direct project. In the current financial year 2006-07, 6.53 million has been allocated to the NHS Health Direct project.

Hepatitis C

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to manage hepatitis C infection in community settings.

Caroline Flint: The provision of hepatitis C services at the local level is the responsibility of primary care trusts and their local partners. They are best placed to assess what is needed in their areas and to take account of other priorities in the context of delivering care in more local and convenient settings, including in the community, provided this is effective and can be delivered safely.

Hospital Reconfiguration

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions she has had with ministerial colleagues on the effect on road traffic levels of hospital reconfiguration.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 11 December 2006
	There have been no discussions on the effect of hospital reconfiguration on road traffic levels.

Hospital Infections

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the efficacy of air purifiers as a mechanism for combating hospital infections; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 11 December 2006
	The rapid review panel (RRP) has reviewed 22 air decontamination products. From these 22 products:
	 Two were awarded a recommendation 2:
	Basic research and development has been completed and the product may have potential value; in-use evaluations/trials are now needed in an national health service clinical setting.
	 Eight received a recommendation 3:
	A potentially useful new concept but insufficiently validated; more research and development is required before it is ready for evaluation in practice.
	 Six received a recommendation 4:
	Not a significant improvement on equipment/materials/products already available which claim to contribute to reducing health care associated infection; no further consideration needed or unlikely to contribute to the reduction of health care associated infection; no further consideration needed.
	 Five received a recommendation 5:
	Insufficient clarity/evidence presented to enable full review of the product; and
	 One received a recommendation 6:
	An already well established product that does not merit further consideration by the panel.

Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking in relation to the introduction of a national human papilloma virus vaccination programme during the school year 2007-08.

Caroline Flint: The Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation is currently considering the evidence on human papilloma virus vaccines. It will provide advice to Ministers and, once received, Ministers will consider the advice.

Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what meetings her Department has had with colleagues from the Department for Education and Skills to discuss the implementation of a schools-based HPV vaccination programme during the school year 2007-08.

Caroline Flint: The Department is planning to discuss human papilloma virus (HPV) and other vaccinations issues with the Department for Education and Skills in the coming months.

Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation will meet in February 2007; whether the committee will consider HPV vaccination at this meeting; and if she will take steps to ensure that the committee makes its recommendations publicly available.

Caroline Flint: It is planned that the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) will next meet on 14 February 2006. It will continue its deliberation on human papilloma virus (HPV) and a range of other vaccination issues. The publication schedule of JCVI is available at:
	www.advisorybodies.doh.gov.uk/jc_classesofinformation.htm#4
	The minutes of the meeting will be placed in the Library.

Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation HPV sub-group will next meet.

Caroline Flint: It is planned that the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation sub-group on human papilloma virus will next meet on 28 February 2007.

Influenza

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to stimulate a market for the provision of new diagnostic products for influenza.

Caroline Flint: There are a number of commercial diagnostic products for influenza on the market. The Health Protection Agency continues to maintain a watching brief of these products.

Influenza

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the merits of stockpiling the antiviral peramivir for use in the event of an influenza pandemic.

Rosie Winterton: Peramivir is not currently licensed and is not part of our present plans. However, our antiviral strategy will remain under continual review and if emerging scientific and clinical data indicate that peramivir is a safe and potentially effective drug then we would take this into account.

Influenza

Edward Vaizey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of people over 65 in  (a) Wantage constituency,  (b) Oxfordshire and  (c) the South East have received an influenza vaccination in the past 12 months.

Caroline Flint: Vaccine uptake data are not collected by constituency and hence we do not have data for the Wantage constituency. We have provided influenza vaccination uptake data in respect of people aged 65 years and over for the primary care trusts (PCTs) in Oxfordshire in table 1.
	The vaccine uptake data given for the end of January 2006 are that for the 2005-06 seasonal influenza programme. The data given for the end of October 2006 are the data recorded so far for the current vaccination programme. We expect vaccination rates for the current programme to increase in the coming months.
	
		
			  Table 1 
			  As at end of  Primary care trust  Uptake (Percentage) 
			 January 2006 North East Oxfordshire 82.0 
			 January 2006 South East Oxfordshire 78.8 
			 January 2006 South West Oxfordshire 80.6 
			 January 2006 Oxford City 77.8 
			
			 October 2006 Oxfordshire(1) 33 
			 (1) The merger of primary care trusts in 2006 mean that there is only one pct for Oxfordshire. North East Oxfordshire, South East Oxfordshire, South West Oxfordshire and Oxford City are now known as Oxfordshire primary care trust. 
		
	
	Vaccination uptake data are also provided for the South East Strategic Health Authority and are shown in table 2. The vaccine uptake data given for the end of January 2006 are that for the 2005-06 seasonal influenza programme. The data given for the end of October 2006 are the data recorded so far for the current vaccination programme. We expect vaccination rates for the current programme to increase in the coming months.
	
		
			  Table 2 
			  As at end of  Strategic health authority  Uptake 
			 January 2006 South East 76 
			 October 2006 South East(1) 31 
			 (1 )24 pcts have now merged to form 8 pcts in the South East SHA.

Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will place in the Library copies of the minutes of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation meetings within a month of each meeting.

Caroline Flint: The minutes of Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) are published within three months of a meeting taking place. The publication schedule for JCVI is available at: www.advisorybodies.doh.gov.uk/jcvi/foi_classesofinformation.htm#4 and a copy will be placed in the Library.

Mental Health

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the  (a) psychiatrists and  (b) organisations which have made representations to her expressing their support for the Mental Health Bill.

Rosie Winterton: The Government have consulted widely over eight years on changes to mental health legislation and have listened to the views of a broad range of stakeholders.
	Work began on reviewing the current mental health legislation, the Mental Health Act 1983, in 1998, with the establishment of an expert committee. Since then, there has been a Green Paper, a White Paper, a Consultation Draft Bill in 2002, and a Draft Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny in 2004. There has also been widespread consultation on the so-called Bournewood safeguards. Consultation has shown this is an area where it is difficult to reach a consensus. As such there are both psychiatrists and organisations who support the Mental Health Bill, as well as those who oppose aspects of it.
	The Government are confident that the Mental Health Bill which is currently before Parliament strikes the right balance between patient rights and protecting both patients and the public from harm.

Mental Health

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what meetings have been held between the Director for Mental Health Services and  (a) Labour,  (b) Conservative and  (c) Liberal Democrat hon. Members.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 11 December 2006
	The National Director for Mental Health, Professor Louis Appleby, has attended one meeting of Labour Members and Peers. He has also attended a briefing session that was open to Peers of all parties.
	Professor Appleby is due to attend meetings of all party parliamentary groups for children and for mental health in the near future.
	He has had no requests from other Members or Peers. While the Mental Health Bill is in Parliament, Professor Appleby would be willing to meet with any parliamentary group that wants to discuss the Bill.

Ministerial Visits

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many times she has visited health services in Surrey.

Caroline Flint: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State (Ms Hewitt) has not visited health services in Surrey. My noble friend the Minister of State (NHS Reform) Lord Warner visited health services in Surrey in November 2006 and February 2004, and the Minister of State (Delivery and Quality) my hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham) visited health services in Surrey in June 2006.

MRSA

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many products to tackle MRSA the Rapid Review Panel has given Level one recommendation to; and if she will make a statement.

Andy Burnham: The Rapid Review Panel has given three products a recommendation one. Of these three products, two products, ChloraPrep and Bardex ICsilver alloy coated hydrogel catheters, are related to the control of MRSA. Details are published on the Health Protection Agency's website at
	www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/rapid_review/default.htm

MRSA

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of how hospital acquired infections such as MRSA are transmitted; and if she will make a statement.

Andy Burnham: Health care associated organisms such as meticillin resistant  Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are caused by a wide variety of micro organisms and can spread by a variety of routes. However available evidence indicates that inadequately cleaned hands of health care workers are a major route. This is why we introduced the national 'cleanyourhands' campaign to minimise the risk to patient safety of low compliance with hand hygiene by national health service staff through a national strategy of improvement.

MRSA

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many MRSA infections were reported in hospitals in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Andy Burnham: The number of Meticillin Resistant Staohylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infections, (bacteraemia reports) for each of the last five years is set out in the table.
	
		
			   Number of MRSA bacteraemia 
			 April 2001 to March 2002 7,291 
			 April 2002 to March 2003 7,426 
			 April 2003 to March 2004 7,698 
			 April 2004 to March 2005 7,233 
			 April 2005 to March 2006 7,087 
			  Note: Data subject to changethis table correct as at publication date of 24 July 2006.   Source:  Health Protection Agency, 24 July 2006.

NHS Computer Systems

David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether she has made an assessment of the compatibility of the English and Welsh NHS computer systems.

Caroline Flint: The devolved administration in Wales has adopted different approaches to the development of IT support in the health service in Wales from those being delivered through the national programme to the national health service in England, based on its own functional requirements, administrative arrangements, and assessment of priorities. For example, Wales has a different approach to electronic booking of patient appointments, and a different policy on prescribing.
	The opportunity was provided for the National Assembly for Wales to join the procurement exercise for England but, at the time, they chose not to do so, which is their right under devolved government arrangements. However, through the UK Information Management and Technology Forum, and the NHS Information Standards Board, national programme officials work closely with officials in the devolved administrations and the Northern Ireland Office to ensure common standards and interoperability of clinical information systems. Where the countries are following a common approach, there are opportunities for using the same systems.

NHS Health Trusts

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of appointees to NHS health trusts in each region  (a) have declared political affiliations and  (b) have declared that they are members of the (i) Labour, (ii) Liberal Democrat and (iii) Conservative parties.

Rosie Winterton: The Department has delegated the collection of information on political affiliation to the Appointments Commission and I have asked them to respond to the hon. Member's request.

NHS IT Programme

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost of the new NHS IT programme has been to date, broken down by  (a) main budget heading and  (b) type of recipient of funding.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is in the table.
	
		
			  Cost of the national health service IT programme 
			  Programme area  Contractor  Expenditure to 31 October 2006 ( million) 
			 Spine BT 296.8 
			 N3 broadband network BT 212.5 
			 Choose and book core contract Atos Origin (SchlumbergerSema) 31.4 
			 London LSP BT CCA 2.7 
			 North East LSP Accenture 82.8 
			 NW/W Mids LSP CSC 170.4 
			 Eastern LSP Accenture 94.6 
			 Southern LSP Fujitsu 27 
			 Total  918.2

NHS Treatment Costs

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the cost to the NHS of providing  (a) drugs and  (b) other treatments approved by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in the last year for which figures are available.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 11 December 2006
	Each piece of guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) contains an estimate of the cost to the national health service (NHS) of its implementation. NICE's estimate of the total cost of providing the treatments recommended in its technology appraisal guidance published in the period October 2005 to October 2006 was 214.34 million for drugs and 126.7 million for other treatments. The Department has made no separate estimate of these costs.

Omega 3

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the effects of omega 3 supplements for children.

Caroline Flint: In July 2006 the Food Standards Agency published the results of a systematic review of the evidence on the effects of nutrition, diet and dietary change on children's learning and school performance.
	The systematic review was unable to reach firm conclusions on the effect of diet on performance, including that related to omega 3 fish oil supplements. As such Government advice on this issue remains unchanged, recommending two portions of fish a week of which one should be oily.

Parliamentary and Health Services Ombudsman

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what procedures complainants should follow when complaining about a particular NHS consultation before complaining to the Parliamentary and Health Services Ombudsman.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 11 December 2006
	National health service organisations have a statutory duty to consult patients and the public when proposing service changes.
	Any person affected by or likely to be affected by the action, omission or decision of an NHS body may make a complaint to that body under the NHS complaints procedure. The complainant would need to be able to demonstrate how they would be affected by that action, omission or decision. If the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome of the complaint at local level, the complainant may request the Healthcare Commission to consider the complaint. If still not satisfied, the complainant may request that the Health Service Commissioner consider the complaint.

Pseudamphistomum Truncatum

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what warning she has issued to general practitioners about the possibility of the spread of Pseudamphistomum truncatum to humans.

Caroline Flint: There are no plans to issue any warning to General Practitioners on this issue. Both the Department and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have reviewed the available evidence of risk to human health through the joint Human and Animal Infections Risk Surveillance Group, coordinated by the Health Protection Agency, and concluded that exposure to the metacercarial stage that is infectious to man is likely to be rare and confined to those who handle or consume the parasite in raw fish. Ongoing parasitic surveys of wild fish have revealed no evidence of P. truncata in any fish species in the UK.

Public Appointments

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which public appointments have been made by her Department to former Ministers who have served in the Government since May 1997.

Rosie Winterton: The Department has delegated responsibility for public appointments to the Appointments Commission. The commission does not collect the information requested.

Seasonal Influenza

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what her latest estimate is of the proportion of patients in each of the groups whose health is deemed at risk from seasonal influenza who have received their seasonal influenza immunisation for the 2006-07 winter.

Caroline Flint: The percentage of people vaccinated in each clinical risk group as at the end of October 2006 is shown in table 1:
	
		
			  Table 1: Flu vaccine uptake by end October 2006 
			   Percentage 
			  Under 65 years of age and in a medical risk group  
			 Chronic respiratory disease 14 
			 Chronic heart disease 20 
			 Chronic renal disease 13 
			 Chronic liver disease 9 
			 Diabetes 26 
			 Immunosuppression 11 
			   
			  Those aged 65 and over 34 
			  Source:  Provisional national uptake data to the end of October have been collected by the Health Protection Agency. This data are collected on a monthly basis. The October figure is based on the response of 6,011 out of 8,475 GP practices in England. Weekly update data from spotter practice surveillance scheme . 
		
	
	 QResearch
	Data from Qflu, a weekly spotter practice surveillance scheme show that by 27 November, flu vaccine uptake for those 65 years and over was 60 per cent. in England.
	 Source:
	QResearch.

Secondments

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people are seconded to the national health service in England from external organisations.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Sexual Health

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  when her Department expects to launch the 50 million advertising campaign to tackle the rise in sexually transmitted infections announced by her predecessor on 26 November 2004;
	(2)  what the total cost is of her Department's sexual health campaign launched on 11 November 2006;
	(3)  for what reasons her Department's sexual health campaign, launched on 11 November 2006, targets 18 to 24 year olds only.

Caroline Flint: Improving the nation's sexual health is a key Government priority and the Department launched its new adult sexual health campaign, Condom Essential Wear, on 9 November 2006.
	The budget for this campaign is currently approximately 4 million this financial year. This is a significant level of funding, which has enabled us to produce an effective, integrated multi-media campaign targeting some of the hardest to reach young people who are most at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections.
	Condom Essential Wear, which involves TV, radio and press advertising backed by extensive public relations, partnership marketing and web and digital activity, primarily targets 18 to 24-year-olds who engage in sexually risky behaviour and who statistically are among the most at risk of contracting STIs. It has been developed on social marketing principles, which means it starts from the position of the consumer with the aim of bringing about long-term positive behavioural change.
	It is one of three current Government campaigns working to improve sexual health and reduce teenage pregnancy, complementing the Department for Education and Skills's teenage pregnancy campaigns R U Thinking, aimed at 13 to 16-year-olds, and Want Respect? Use a Condom, aimed at 16 to 18-year-olds. This integrated communications approach enables us to effectively target young people across the age groups.

Smoking Ban

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when an announcement will be made on the date for implementation of the ban on smoking in public places.

Caroline Flint: The Government announced on 1 December that the smokefree provisions within the Health Act 2006, which will make virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces smokefree, will be implemented at 6 am on Sunday, 1 July.

Southampton Independent Sector Treatment Centre

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she has taken to ensure that primary care trusts in Hampshire will not be required to fund any shortfall in the number of patients referred to the proposed Southampton Independent Sector Treatment Centre.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 11 December 2006
	The Southampton independent sector treatment centre (ISTC) is part of phase two of the ISTC programme. Phase two contracts are between the Secretary of State for Health and the independent sector providers. The referral risk is shared between Secretary of State for Health and the provider. Primary care trusts in Hampshire will, therefore, not be required to fund any shortfall in the number of patients referred to the proposed Southampton ISTC.

Urologists

Christopher Fraser: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many urologists were working in the NHS in each of the last eight years.

Rosie Winterton: The number or urologists employed by the national health service in each of the last eight years is shown in the table.
	
		
			  Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): Medical staff working in the urology specialty by grade and yearEngland as at 30 September each year 
			  Number (headcount) 
			   1995  1996  1997  1998  1999 
			 All Staff 778 809 879 961 1,024 
			 Consultant 314 315 343 358 388 
			 Associate Specialist 9 12 15 18 22 
			 Staff Grade 25 28 37 61 71 
			 Registrar Group 151 162 169 169 198 
			 House Officer and Foundation Programme Year 1(1) 91 93 104 127 114 
			 Senior House Officer 139 152 174 192 194 
			 Hospital Practitioner/Clinical Assistant 49 47 37 36 37 
			 Other  
		
	
	
		
			  Number (headcount) 
			   2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
			 All Staff 1,052 1,115 1,164 1,223 1,355 1,371 
			 Consultant 382 427 448 473 503 500 
			 Associate Specialist 24 25 27 33 47 58 
			 Staff Grade 86 81 87 80 95 89 
			 Registrar Group 201 204 208 234 279 285 
			 House Officer and Foundation Programme Year 1(1) 126 126 122 122 131 132 
			 Senior House Officer 199 207 228 247 263 281 
			 Hospital Practitioner/Clinical Assistant 34 45 43 34 37 26 
			 Other   1
			 (1) The Foundation Programme Year 1 grade was introduced in 2005 Copyright  2006, The Information Centre, Medical and Dental Workforce Census. All rights reserved. This work remains the sole and exclusive property of The Information Centre and may only be reproduced where there is explicit reference to the ownership of The Information Centre.

Welfare Foods

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children whose fourth birthdays fall after 1 September 2006 and will not attend school until September 2007 will not as a result be eligible for tokens for the welfare food scheme.

Caroline Flint: From the 27 November 2006, Healthy Start will provide vouchers that can be used to purchase Healthy Start foods for children in qualifying families, until their fourth birthday. Previously, the welfare food scheme provided milk tokens to eligible children up to their fifth birthday.
	It is estimated that approximately 120,000 children aged four and under five are affected by this change. The number of children eligible to receive Healthy Start vouchers at any one time will fluctuate according to the number of families receiving qualifying benefits.
	Children aged four and under five attending registered day care for more than two hours per day may be entitled to one third of a pint of free milk per day. In addition, some children aged four in nurseries attached to LEA schools will also be eligible to receive free fruit through the school fruit and vegetable scheme.

West Devon Meat

Geoffrey Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if she will make representations to the Food Standards Agency to ensure that the investigation into West Devon Meat is resolved as quickly as possible to allow operations to resume; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  if she will make representations to the Meat Hygiene Service to ensure that the investigation into West Devon Meat is concluded as quickly as possible to allow operations to resume; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: The Food Standards Agency has advised that the case has been referred by the Meat Hygiene Service to the agency's investigation branch. A thorough investigation will be carried out as rapidly as possible in line with the agency's legal standard for investigations.
	The case concerns West Devon Meat's approval to slaughter cattle aged over 30 months and does not affect any other part of the company's business.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Acceptable Behaviour Contracts

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many acceptable behaviour contracts have been made in East Sussex over the last 12 months.

Tony McNulty: Data on numbers of acceptable behaviour contracts are not collected by the Home Office as they are voluntary agreements and therefore not suitable for central data collection.

Assets Recovery Agency

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the completed cases handled by the Assets Recovery Agency in  (a) each complete financial year since it commenced operations and  (b) 2006-07.

Vernon Coaker: The number of cases concluded by the Agency in  (a) each financial year since its establishment in 2003 and  (b) 2006-07 is set out in the following table.
	The Agency publicises all its completed cases unless there are exceptional reasons (e.g. legal or operational) that prevent this. The Agency's website contains details of all cases that are in the public domain. It would be disproportionately costly to produce a list of completed cases.
	
		
			  Assets Recovery Agency: completed cases 
			   Number 
			 2003-04 0 
			 2004-05 21 
			 2005-06 47 
			 2006-07(1) 28 
			 (1) Provisional figures to end of November 2006.

Bluewater

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether training has taken place at the Bluewater shopping centre to prepare for a serious terrorist type attack.

Tony McNulty: The provision of security advice and training, and to whom this is provided, is kept under regular review.

Bluewater

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Bluewater shopping centre has received a specific terrorist threat; and whether he considers it a terrorist target.

Tony McNulty: It is Government policy not to disclose specific threat information in the interests of national security.

Bluewater

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his Department has advised the Bluewater shopping centre owners on protecting the estate from a potential terrorist threat.

Tony McNulty: The provision of security advice and training, and to whom this is provided, is kept under regular review.

Chaplaincy Staff

Graham Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many publicly funded full-time equivalent chaplaincy staff there were in the Prison Service in 2005-06, broken down by religion; what the cost was of chaplaincy staff in 2005-06; what estimate he has made of the costs in  (a) 2006-07 and  (b) 2007-08; and whether he has made an assessment of the merits of providing equivalent pastoral support for those who are not religious and who may not wish to receive such support from a religious chaplain.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Information on the number of directly employed chaplaincy staff is contained in the following table. Information on the present and projected costs is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Chaplaincy Teams are available to provide pastoral support to prisoners and staff, both to those who have registered in a particular religion, and to those who have not. There are a wide range of other services and provision for those who do not wish to receive support from a chaplain, including the personal officer scheme, prison visitors and listeners.
	
		
			  Number of directly employed chaplaincy staff 
			  Religion  Full-time equivalent staff 31 March 2006 
			 Christian 219.5 
			 Muslim 26.0 
			 Hindu 1.0 
			 Total 246.4

Children and Young People: Crime

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact of financial hardship among children and young people on crime.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Information on risk factors associated with victimisation and with offending (including household income) is published as part of the results of the Offending Crime and Justice Survey, and the Youth Lifestyles surveys, copies of which are available from the Library of the House or from the Home Office website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/offending_survey.html. In particular the report of the Youth Lifestyles Survey (HORS 209) p21-22 discusses social class and offending, and employment and offending. The OCJS 2004 main report Appendix D refers to living in households in financial difficulty as a general risk factor for victimisation for young people; findings 245 also identified this as a risk factor for committing antisocial behaviour.

Community Justice Projects

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the performance of North Liverpool and Salford community justice projects.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 6 December 2006
	Both the North Liverpool Community Justice Centre and Salford Community Justice Initiative are being evaluated by independent consultancy firms. The final evaluation reports for both projects are due by the end of February 2007.
	The evaluations will look at the impact of the projects on reducing fear of crime and increasing community confidence in the criminal justice system (CJS); increasing compliance with sentences; increasing victim and witness satisfaction in the CJS; and increasing involvement of the community in the CJS. The evaluation will also draw out lessons which will be applied to the design and implementation of the 10 new community justice projects announced in a written ministerial statement by my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Camberwell and Peckham (Ms Harman) Harman and the Lord Chancellor on 27 November 2006,  Official Report, column 78WS.

Crime Detection Rates

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the  (a) levels of and  (b) detection rates for (i) violent crime, (ii) sexual crime, (iii) car crime, (iv) robbery and (v) burglary were in the Haringey basic command unit in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: The latest information on offences by Basic Command Unit is available online as accompanying tables to Home Office Statistical Bulletin number 12/06, Crime in England and Wales 2005/2006.
	The recorded crime levels can be found at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs06/bcu1.xls
	The detection rates can be found at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs06/bcu2.xls

Criminal Assets

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the proposed EU development of legislation concerning the confiscation of criminal assets; and what its legal base is.

Joan Ryan: There has been work under title VI of the Treaty on European Union to adopt two legislative instruments. The Council Framework Decision 2005/212/JHA on confiscation of crime-related proceeds, instrumentalities and property requires member states to have in place at a national level measures to enable them to confiscate instrumentalities and proceeds from criminal offences. It was adopted with particular regard to articles 29, 31(1)(c) and 34(2)(b) of the TEU.
	The Council Framework Decision 2006/783/JHA on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to confiscation orders puts in place a mechanism for the cross-border recognition and execution of confiscation orders. It was adopted with particular regard to articles 31(1)(a) and34(2)(b) of the TEU.
	No further legislation is planned at this time in the area of Justice and Home Affairs but work is also ongoing under title V TEU to promote the confiscation of assets belonging to banned terrorist groups.

Cyclists

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cyclists have been prosecuted for highways offences in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: The following table shows data from the court proceedings database held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform on the number of prosecutions for offences connected with pedal cycles.
	
		
			  Number of cyclists proceeded against for highway offences at magistrates courts, England and Wales, 2001 to 2005( 1,2,3) 
			   Total proceeded against 
			 2001 760 
			 2002 636 
			 2003 732 
			 2004 831 
			 2005 893 
			 (1) These data are on the principal offence basis. (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (3) The data supplied in the table comprise various offences connected with pedal cycles. The three offences with the most offenders proceeded against are: (a) Riding on footpath. (b) Taking or riding a pedal cycle without consent etc. (c) Lighting and reflector offences.

Departmental Expenditure

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the administrative cost of his Department's library providing a blog monitoring service was in the last year for which figures are available; and what the budget for this service is for 2007-08.

John Reid: My Department's library provides a current awareness service to all Home Office group staff that reviews published material in a wide range of printed and electronic formats. Because blogs are only one of several types of material reviewed and the number of items selected varies from month to month, no specific cost can be isolated for that element of the service.

Departmental Staff

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long Abid Javaid has been employed by his Department; what his responsibilities are; and whether he continues to carry out these duties.

John Reid: holding answer 4 December 2006
	It is not the policy of the Department to disclose personal details relating to members of staff or to discuss individual cases.

Dispersal Orders

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will commission research on the effects of the implementation of dispersal orders on the relationship between police officers and young people.

Tony McNulty: We are keeping the need for research under review. From April 2006 we have been collecting data on the use of dispersal powers by police forces in England and Wales.

DNA Database

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people who have been arrested but not charged or cautioned for any offence have their DNA profile stored on the National DNA Database; and what proportion of these people are from each ethnic minority background.

Joan Ryan: holding answer 23 November 2006
	Data on whether persons with a profile on the National DNA Database (NDNAD) have been charged or cautioned for an offence are not held on the NDNAD, but are held on the Police National Computer (PNC). The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost by cross-searching approximately three million records retained for such persons on the PNC.

Drugs

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the cost of policing drug related crime in each year since 2002.

Vernon Coaker: holding answer 7 December 2006
	 Home Office online report 16/06 Measuring different aspects of problem drug use: methodological developments includes estimates for 2003-04 of the social and economic costs resulting from the five major types of crimes committed by users of class A drugs. These estimates include policing costs, although there is no separate estimate within them for policing. The report is available on the Home Office website.

European Contract Law

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the proposed EU development of legislation relating to European contract law; and what its legal base is.

Vera Baird: I have been asked to reply.
	There is no proposal for EU legislation in relation to the European Commission's proposal for the creation of a Common Frame of Reference (CFR) for European contract law. The Commission's Communication of 11 October 2004 (COM(2004) 65) explained that the CFR was intended to improve the quality and coherence of existing and future EU legislation. Work on the development of the CFR is continuing and its final form and purpose have not been settled. The Government are awaiting the Commission's Annual Progress Report for 2005-06 with interest and will examine it closely. The report is expected to be published in early 2007.

European Day of Civil Justice

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the proposed developments at EU level of the Annual European Day of Civil Justice; and what its legal base is.

Bridget Prentice: I have been asked to reply.
	The European Day of Civil Justice is a joint initiative of the European Commission and the Council of Europe agreed in 2003 and held on 25 October each year. Events are organised throughout Europe with the aim of raising the profile of civil justice issues and systems to make them more accessible and to enable citizens to be more aware of their rights arid to know how to enforce them.
	Within the United Kingdom there have been court open days, events organised by the legal profession and a conference during the UK presidency of the EU on practical approaches to solving cross-border disputes. While Articles 61(c) and 65 of the treaty establishing the European Community set out the legal bases for legislative activity in the field of civil justice, no specific legal base is required in the treaties for this initiative.

European Evidence Warrant

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the proposed EU development of legislation concerning the European Evidence Warrant; and what its legal base is.

Joan Ryan: The Justice and Home Affairs Council reached a general approach on the Framework Decision for a European Evidence Warrant (EEW) on 1 June 2006. Formal adoption will follow agreement on the EEW form. The Government will then prepare legislation to implement the EEW.
	The legal basis of the Framework Decision is Article 31 of the Treaty on European Union, which deals with common action on judicial co-operation in criminal matters.

Extradition Agreements

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what agreements the UK has with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on reciprocal extradition arrangements; what extradition agreements have been made between the UK and the UAE under the terms of the Extradition Act 2003; and if he will make a statement.

Joan Ryan: On 6 December 2006, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary signed an Extradition Treaty with the Emirati Minister of Justice at Lancaster House. The Treaty will come into effect after it has been ratified, instruments of ratification have been exchanged and, in the UK, the UAE has been designated under Section 69 of the Extradition Act 2003.
	Up to that point, there will be no general extradition relations between the UK and UAE. However, the UK can have extradition relations with parties to international conventions, to which the UK is also a party, that contain extradition provisions. The UK is also able to process ad hoc requests for extradition with non-treaty countries.
	The following table shows the Conventions for which the UAE has been designated for extradition purposes.
	
		
			  Convention  Date signed 
			 Convention on Offences and certain other Acts committed on Board aircraft (the Tokyo Convention) 14 September 1963 
			 Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft signed at the Hague (the Hague Convention) 16 December 1970 
			 Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation (the Montreal Convention) 23 September 1971 
			 Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts of Violence at Airports Serving International Civil Aviation, supplementary to the Montreal Convention, which was signed at Montreal (the Montreal Protocol) 24 February 1988 
			 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (the Vienna Convention) 20 December 1988

Gun Crime

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many gun crimes were committed in  (a) England and Wales and  (b) Gloucestershire in each of the last 15 years for which figures are available.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 27 November 2006
	Available data from 1990 up to and including 2004-05 are given in the following tables.
	Gloucestershire's figures from 1990 to 1996 include those involving air weapons.
	
		
			  Table (a): Crimes recorded by the police in England and Wales and Gloucestershire( 1)  in which firearms were reported to have been used, 1990 to 2001-02 
			   England and Wales  Gloucestershire 
			 1990 6,843 (1) 
			 1991 6,665 (1) 
			 1992 7,243 (1) 
			 1993 7,730 (1) 
			 1994 6,002 (1) 
			 1995 5,866 (1) 
			 1996 6,063 (1) 
			 1997 4,904 23 
			 1998-99(2) 5,209 22 
			 1999-2000 6,843 21 
			 2000-01(3) 7,470 23 
			 2001-02 10,023 89 
			 (1) Figures exclude offences involving the use of air weapons. From 1990 to 1996 Gloucestershire police were unable to provide figures for offences excluding air weapons. (2) There was a change in counting rules for recorded crime on 1 April 1998. (3) Numbers of some recorded crimes may have been inflated by some police forces implementing the principles of the National Crime Recording Standard before 1 April 2002. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table (b): Crimes recorded by the police in England and Wales and Gloucestershire in which firearms were reported to have been used, 2002-03 to 2004-05 
			   England and Wales  Gloucestershire 
			 2002-03(1) 10,248 92 
			 2003-04 10,338 108 
			 2004-05 10,964 87 
			 (1) The National Crime Recording Standard was introduced in April 2002. Because of this figures before and after that date are not directly comparable.

Human Trafficking

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) incidents of and  (b) prosecutions for child trafficking there were in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Data on of the numbers of children and unaccompanied minors trafficked into the UK for each year since 2000 are not centrally recorded.
	To address this lack of data, the Government have commissioned the Child Exploitation Online Protection Centre (CEOP) to scope the scale and nature of child trafficking into the UK.
	The most up-to-date information provided to the Home Office by the Crown Prosecution Service indicates that at least 12 defendants have been charged in three separate cases that involved female victims between the ages of 15 and 18. Of these 10 were convicted and received lengthy sentences.

Identity and Passport Service

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he has issued to the Identity and Passport Service on ensuring full and immediate notification of passports stolen in other EU countries.

Joan Ryan: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has issued no such instructions to the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) because we already have adequate procedures in place for reporting British passports lost or stolen in other EU countries.
	New reporting arrangements were introduced by IPS on 8 December 2003 for the reporting of loss or theft of a British passport to IPS by members of the public. Subsequent developments to this process allowed the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to send electronic reports of loss and theft of a passport overseas to IPS. This functionality commenced in 2004 as part of an IT program undertaken by the FCO.

Identity Cards Act

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  pursuant to section 10 (1) of the Identity Cards Act 2006, how those individuals who fail to register a change of circumstances will be identified and prosecuted;
	(2)  pursuant to section 11 (1) of the Identity Cards Act 2006, how those individuals who fail to notify him of a lost, stolen, damaged, tampered with or destroyed ID card will be identified and prosecuted;
	(3)  who will be responsible for identifying individuals who fail to comply with the requirements of sections 7, 10 and 11 of the Identity Cards Act 2006.

Joan Ryan: The detailed procedures for helping to ensure that people entered on the register keep their entries up to date or notify lost, stolen or damaged cards have yet to be determined. However, it is certain that no-one will be prosecuted for failing to do so, although they may be liable for a civil financial penalty under sections 10 and 11 of the Act. A code of practice on civil penalties will be published before the identity cards scheme begins.
	Section 7 relates to a requirement for those subject to compulsory registration to renew an ID card which is about to expire. There is no provision for compulsory registration in the Identity Cards Act and this would require further primary legislation to introduce.

Intercept Evidence

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many discrete pieces of information have been provided by the relevant British intelligence and law enforcement agencies for use as intercept evidence in non-UK courts in each month since the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 came into force;
	(2)  how many examples of intercept evidence obtained from interceptions made outside the UK have been admitted by the relevant British court in criminal proceedings in each year since the coming into force of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

Tony McNulty: The information is not collected centrally.

London Underground: Security

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what security measures are in place in relation to the vetting of workers on the London Underground.

Gillian Merron: holding answer 5 December 2006
	I have been asked to reply.
	Given the open nature of the underground system, the Department requires London Underground's nominated security contacts to be security vetted prior to receiving sensitive security information. London Underground's background checking procedures for potential employees are fully compliant with Government recommended standards and have been set up following advice from the Security Service's National Security Advice Centre.
	London Underground and its contractors are required to comply with the requirements of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, which requires employers to check that individuals are entitled to live and work in the UK. London Underground also request details of the applicant's previous five years' employment history and referees for that period and, when appropriate, they also request the disclosure of unspent criminal convictions and use the Government Security Vetting arrangements.

Mentally Ill: Homicide

Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many and what proportion of homicides in each of the last 10 years were committed by people with a treatable mental disorder under the Mental Health Act 1983 against one of their relations.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 5 December 2006
	The requested data relate to offences currently recorded as homicides and are based upon table 2.06 of 'Violent Crime Overview, Homicide and Gun Crime 2004/05' (HOSB 02/06). Available information relates to homicides where the principal apparent circumstance was considered to be an
	'irrational act carried out by apparently insane or disturbed suspect',
	referred to in the above mentioned publication as
	'mentally disturbed suspect'.
	The Home Office also publishes annual data about persons managed under Mental Health Act powers, including those convicted of homicide. Latest published figures are in 'Statistics of Mentally Disordered Offenders 2004' (HOSB 22/05) which states that, in 2004, there were 99 homicide convictions resulting in suspects being detained under Part III of the Mental Health Act 1983. However, these figures cannot be broken down to show the relationship between victim and suspect.
	
		
			  Offences currently( 1)  recorded as homicide, England and Wales 1994 to 2004-05 
			  Recorded crime 
			   1994  1995  1996  1997  1997-98  1998-99 
			 Number of homicides currently recorded 632 663 585 609 608 646 
			 Apparent circumstances = 'suspect mentally disturbed'(2) 46 39 36 42 39 28 
			  Of which:   
			 Victim's relationship to principal suspect = 'relation'(3) 29 13 19 26 20 14 
			 Percentage 63 33 53 62 51 50 
		
	
	
		
			  Recorded crime 
			   1999-2000  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05 
			 Number of homicides currently recorded 674 771 804 953 793 820 
			 Apparent circumstances = 'suspect mentally disturbed'(2) 22 15 32 42 40 30 
			  Of which:   
			 Victim's relationship to principal suspect = 'relation'(3) 10 8 17 17 17 14 
			 Percentage 45 53 53 40 43 47 
			 (1) As at 28 November 2005; figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the courts, or as further information becomes available. (2) In a very small number of cases the circumstances of a homicide could be classified into more than one category and an assessment been made of the principal circumstances. Offences included here relate to circumstances considered to be 'irrational act carried out by apparently insane or disturbed suspect'. (3) Includes son/daughter, step-son/daughter, parent/step-parent, spouse/cohabitant ex/estranged spouse, ex-cohabitant, other family. Excludes lovers and homosexual relationships.

Mentally Ill: Homicide

Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many and what proportion of homicides were committed in each of the last 10 years  (a) where the victim was unknown to the assailant and  (b) by people with treatable mental disorders under the Mental Health Act 1983.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 5 December 2006
	The requested data relate to offences currently recorded as homicides and were published in table 2.06 of 'Violent Crime Overview, Homicide and Gun Crime 2004/2005' (HOSB 02/06). Available information for  (b) relates to homicides where the apparent circumstances of the offence involved a mentally disturbed suspect committing an irrational act.
	
		
			  Offences currently( 1)  recorded as homicide, England and Wales 1994 to 2004-05 
			  Recorded crime 
			   1994  1995  1996  1997  1997-98  1998-99 
			 Number of homicides currently recorded 632 663 585 609 608 646 
			
			 Victim relationship to principal suspect = 'stranger'(2) 230 252 219 225 223 246 
			 Percentage 36 38 37 37 37 38 
			
			 Apparent circumstances(3) = 'suspect mentally disturbed' 46 39 36 42 39 28 
			 Percentage 7 6 6 7 6 4 
		
	
	
		
			  Recorded crime 
			   1999-2000  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05 
			 Number of homicides currently recorded 674 771 804 953 793 820 
			
			 Victim relationship to principal suspect = 'stranger'(2) 311 356 397 554 397 416 
			 Percentage 46 46 49 58 50 51 
			
			 Apparent circumstances(3) = 'suspect mentally disturbed' 22 15 32 42 40 30 
			 Percentage 3 2 4 4 5 4 
			 (1) As at 28 November 2005; figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the courts, or as further information becomes available. (2) Includes where insufficient information to determine relationship. (3) In a very small number of cases the circumstances of a homicide could be classified into more than one category and an assessment been made of the principal circumstances.

Northamptonshire Police

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the performance was of  (a) Northamptonshire police force and  (b) the average of all similar forces on (i) burglary, (ii) car theft, (iii) criminal damage and (iv) assault for (A) January to June 2005, (B) June to December 2005 and (C) January to June 2006.

Tony McNulty: The latest available information by police force area is to March 2006. In response to the request, data for the periods (A) January to June 2005 and (B) July to December 2005 are given in the following table.
	
		
			  Recorded offences for selected offence groups 
			   January to June 2005  July to December 2005 
			  Burglary   
			 Northamptonshire 5,154 5,033 
			 Average most similar forces 5,687 5,740 
			
			  Car theft   
			 Northamptonshire 1,629 1,398 
			 Average most similar forces 1,832 1,806 
			
			  Criminal damage   
			 Northamptonshire 8,408 7,979 
			 Average most similar forces 12,677 12,142 
			
			  Assaults   
			 Northamptonshire 4,226 4,142 
			 Average most similar forces 7,028 7,409 
			  Notes 1. Most similar forces are Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Staffordshire and Warwickshire. 2. Assault comprises less serious wounding (codes 8A and 8D), assault on a constable (code 104) and common assault (codes 105A and 105B). 3. Car theft comprises theft of and aggravated theft of a motor vehicle.

Personal Sampling

Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he has issued to police forces on the retention of personal samples of individuals who are arrested but not subsequently charged with any offence.

Tony McNulty: The Association of Chief Police Officers issued guidance to Chief Officers on the consideration of applications for the deletion of DNA samples, fingerprints and a record on the Police National Computer earlier this year, entitled 'Retention guidelines for nominal records on the Police National Computer'.
	The then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham), made a written ministerial statement on the guidance on 16 February 2006 and copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Police

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many assaults on police officers there have been in each police force in each year since 1997.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 30 November 2006
	Offences of assault on a constable were added to the recorded crime series on 1 April 1998.
	From 1 April 2002 assaults on a constable include only assaults involving no injury (assaults with minor injury are included in less serious woundings) following a change of definition of this offence category.
	Information prior to that 1 April 1998 is not available.
	Data for the period 1998-99 to 2005-06 are given in the tables.
	
		
			  Recorded offences of assaults on a constable 
			   1998-99  1999-2000  2000-01  2001-02 
			 Avon and Somerset 294 305 312 319 
			 Bedfordshire 180 258 210 241 
			 Cambridgeshire 228 216 238 251 
			 Cheshire 599 522 483 554 
			 Cleveland 100 93 133 206 
			 Cumbria 222 212 145 204 
			 Derbyshire 394 610 571 634 
			 Devon and Cornwall 629 628 646 646 
			 Dorset 190 270 287 403 
			 Durham 925 1,032 1,077 1,248 
			 Dyfed-Powys 238 266 261 308 
			 Essex 274 410 352 352 
			 Gloucestershire 181 252 261 206 
			 Greater Manchester 1,510 1,891 1,905 1,972 
			 Gwent 419 530 641 505 
			 Hampshire 480 578 636 688 
			 Hertfordshire 259 257 304 387 
			 Humberside 454 523 509 538 
			 Kent 637 722 620 635 
			 Lancashire 768 973 1,239 1,366 
			 Leicestershire 168 213 315 337 
			 Lincolnshire 268 223 178 218 
			 London, City of 41 37 30 39 
			 Merseyside 826 1,237 1,429 1,361 
			 Metropolitan Police 1,595 1,401 1,367 1,269 
			 Norfolk 339 457 405 439 
			 Northamptonshire 337 392 331 305 
			 Northumbria 851 1,018 1,171 1,176 
			 North Wales 226 298 445 434 
			 North Yorkshire 362 508 426 449 
			 Nottinghamshire 440 433 477 543 
			 South Wales 708 720 868 893 
			 South Yorkshire 307 756 923 785 
			 Staffordshire 651 690 748 661 
			 Suffolk 176 245 255 297 
			 Surrey 193 209 266 223 
			 Sussex 672 760 891 1,120 
			 Thames Valley 451 826 802 1,254 
			 Warwickshire 228 286 258 259 
			 West Mercia 503 640 587 768 
			 West Midlands 1,818 2,606 3,234 3,811 
			 West Yorkshire 1,165 1,388 1,488 1,503 
			 Wiltshire 204 224 276 288 
			 England and Wales 21,510 26,115 28,000 30,095 
			  Note:  The data in this table are prior to the introduction of the National Crime Recording Standard. These figures are not directly comparable with those for later years. 
		
	
	
		
			  Recorded offences of assaults on a constable (includes British transport police from 2002-03) 
			   2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06 
			 Avon and Somerset 405 534 728 849 
			 Bedfordshire 343 313 326 288 
			 Cambridgeshire 281 260 354 425 
			 Cheshire 617 724 311 359 
			 Cleveland 314 236 280 287 
			 Cumbria 181 183 214 218 
			 Derbyshire 848 399 131 129 
			 Devon and Cornwall 671 430 411 329 
			 Dorset 494 330 422 292 
			 Durham 1,078 181 276 305 
			 Dyfed-Powys 344 225 252 210 
			 Essex 498 578 648 673 
			 Gloucestershire 275 191 247 296 
			 Greater Manchester 2,016 796 1,053 1,134 
			 Gwent 595 316 279 239 
			 Hampshire 976 1,008 1,007 919 
			 Hertfordshire 449 702 589 626 
			 Humberside 754 439 439 445 
			 Kent 851 755 688 703 
			 Lancashire 1,536 814 878 765 
			 Leicestershire 447 432 488 464 
			 Lincolnshire 281 160 178 195 
			 London, City of 45 34 56 54 
			 Merseyside 1,651 979 772 682 
			 Metropolitan Police 1,908 2,796 3,399 3,000 
			 Norfolk 549 444 451 403 
			 Northamptonshire 353 305 329 272 
			 Northumbria 1,608 588 576 621 
			 North Wales 550 246 233 188 
			 North Yorkshire 582 274 342 424 
			 Nottinghamshire 452 509 582 320 
			 South Wales 1,032 700 706 488 
			 South Yorkshire 689 434 480 421 
			 Staffordshire 792 525 651 632 
			 Suffolk 362 321 400 327 
			 Surrey 288 413 503 485 
			 Sussex 1,089 625 698 788 
			 Thames Valley 1,527 709 821 880 
			 Warwickshire 310 233 240 257 
			 West Mercia 845 523 376 298 
			 West Midlands 2,817 360 365 338 
			 West Yorkshire 1,695 634 840 832 
			 Wiltshire 345 269 248 140 
			 British Transport Police 205 262 340 356 
			 England and Wales 33,948 22,189 23,607 22,356 
			  Note:  The data in this table take account of the introduction of the National Crime Recording Standard in April 2002. These figures are not directly comparable with those for earlier years. Assaults include only assaults involving no injury. Assaults with minor injury are included in less serious woundings, following a change of definition in April 2002.

Police Interpreters

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will centrally collate the amount police forces in England and Wales have spent on interpreters in the last financial year; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 4 December 2006
	We already have informed estimates that police forces in England and Wales spent some 21 million on interpreters and translators in the last financial year.

Prisons

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provision is made for the use of  (a) video conferencing and  (b) other forms of technology in the treatment of a prisoner with a gambling addiction detained at a prison which does not provide any specific support for that addiction.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 28 November 2006
	Prison video links are installed in all local prisons and are primarily used for court appearances. They can be used for other purposes at the discretion of local managers.
	No interventions are currently being delivered to assist with the treatment of gambling addiction using video links or other technology.

Prisons

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effect on overcrowding in prisons of delays in categorisation of inmates; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: All convicted prisoners are categorised as soon as possible after sentencing. Arrangements are in place to ensure that documents vital to the risk assessment process, without which categorisation cannot proceed, are obtained as quickly as possible.
	The Prison Service is not aware of any significant delays in the categorisation process affecting overcrowding in prisons.

Sudanese Minister: Visa

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons the Sudanese Minister Salah Abdallah Gosh was granted a visa to visit the UK.

Ian McCartney: I have been asked to reply.
	General Salah Abdallah Al Ghosh was granted a visa to visit the UK for medical treatment.

Terrorist Activities

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what mechanisms exist online to report securely extremist and terrorist activities; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: The website for the Security Service has a contact page through which members of the public can send messages about threats to national security over a secure connection. The page can be accessed at the following address:
	https://www.mi5.gov.uk/output/Page6.html
	Additionally, the website for the police service has a mechanism to report a crime online at:
	http://www.online.police.uk/english/default.asp

Werrington Centre

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ask the Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire to investigate the issue of a dispersal order for the Werrington Centre in Peterborough; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 5 December 2006
	This is an operational decision for the Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire Police.

Young Offenders

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average number of  (a) GCSEs,  (b) GNVQs,  (c) NVQs,  (d) AS levels,  (e) A-levels and  (f) all qualifications held by (i) young adult and (ii) juvenile offenders was (A) upon entering secure accommodation and (B) when released from secure accommodation in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested is not collected centrally.